UK — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood disclosed plans for a new repayment scheme requiring successful asylum seekers to pay approximately £10,000 to cover state-funded living costs. Asylum seekers who do not repay these costs will be denied settled status in the UK.

The means-tested scheme is part of the immigration and asylum bill, which MPs are scheduled to consider on Tuesday. Officials have compared the scheme to student loans. The UK government spends £4 billion annually on asylum accommodation and support.

"Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so," Mahmood said. The home secretary indicated that she would be able to adjust the charge amount for the scheme.

Successful asylum seekers deemed to possess sufficient funds will be asked to pay a flat-rate charge. "Migrants will be required to pay off the full amount before being eligible for settlement," a Home Office spokesperson stated. Details such as income thresholds will be established in secondary regulations.

Imran Hussain, Director of External Affairs at the Refugee Council, criticized the proposal. "Imposing what amounts to an extra tax on refugees, who the Home Office accepts have arrived here after fleeing persecution, torture and war, is unfair, impractical and makes it much harder for families to rebuild their lives and stand on their own feet," Hussain said. The Home Office prohibits asylum seekers from working while their claims are being assessed.