LONDON - The British Home Office on Monday unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the country's asylum system, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warning that the current framework is in "crisis."

Under the new policy paper, people granted asylum will be required to wait 20 years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the United Kingdom (UK). Earlier applications may be permitted for those who arrive through "safe and legal routes" and can demonstrate verified contributions to British society.

The Home Office also plans to impose visa penalties on countries that fail to cooperate with the UK on returning rejected asylum seekers. In her statement to the House of Commons, Mahmood singled out Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, urging them to "comply with international rules and norms."

The department said it would move ahead with domestic reforms to the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, aiming to close what it described as "loopholes" that allow "failed asylum seekers to make unlimited and free Article 8 claims to slow down their impending removal."

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Refugees' access to benefits will be prioritized for those who make economic contributions, and they will receive 30 months' leave to remain, which will only be renewed if they are still deemed to require protection, according to the department.

According to Home Office figures, between June 2024 and June 2025, a total of 58,000 asylum claims were refused, while fewer than 11,000 people were removed from the country.