UNHCR urges balance as UK unveils new asylum proposals

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood formally announced the measures on Monday, aimed at tightening controls on irregular arrivals while maintaining the country’s commitment to providing shelter.

He told the Commons that some families whose asylum claims had failed were not being removed “even when we know their home is perfectly safe”.

The proposals include new rules to manage the assessment of asylum claims, provisions for safe and legal resettlement pathways and mechanisms for the return of people who do not require international protection.

‘Refugees are not immigrants’

Commenting on the advertisement, UNHCRUK representative Vicky Tennant said: “Refugees are not immigrants. They are people fleeing conflict, instability and human rights abuses – circumstances that no one would choose voluntarily.”

“Fair and efficient asylum systems are essential to quickly identify refugees and provide them with the protection they need.”

UNHCR welcomed the UK Government’s dual focus on maintaining the safety of those in need of protection while strengthening border management.

Ms Tennant emphasized that this approach should be accompanied by well-managed migration pathways for those moving for economic reasons and effective mechanisms to return those without valid claims.

Share responsibilities

The agency also encouraged the UK to continue cooperating with European and other partners to share responsibility for refugees, citing agreements such as the “one in, one out” system between the UK and France.

“With appropriate safeguards, lawful transfers of some asylum seekers to other countries can be part of a responsible approach,” Tennant said.

UNHCR highlighted that for recognized refugees, protection goes beyond the initial grant of asylum.

“Security means a stable status that allows them to rebuild their lives, reunite with their families and seek long-term solutions,” Tennant added.

The agency emphasized that short-term agreements and strict limits on family reunification can prolong uncertainty, undermine integration and add administrative complexity.

The agency also highlighted the importance of regular and safe routes, such as the UK Resettlement Scheme and initiatives for Syrians, Ukrainians and Afghans, as alternatives to dangerous journeys.

Unprecedented displacement

“Early investment in refugee integration is in everyone’s interests,” said Ms Tennant.

UNHCR stresses that in a time of unprecedented global displacement, empathy, efficiency, responsibility-sharing and international cooperation are essential.

The agency is ready to work with the UK and other governments to ensure access to asylum, defend rights and promote social cohesion.