Today, the government has taken the first step in a package of reforms to the UK asylum system to make refugee status temporary. Asylum seekers who lodged claims on or after 2 March 2026 will receive permission for two and a half years instead of five years.
The previous position
Historically, recognised refugees have been granted permission to remain in the UK for five years after which they could apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
The Home Secretary has described the previous process of getting Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after five years as “near-automatic”. However, the need for ongoing protection was reviewed and if there were signs that a refugee no longer feared returning to their country of origin (for example, if they had travelled there since being granted refugee status) or if the situation in their country of origin had changed to make it safe to return, an application could be refused and applicants would lose refugee status protection. At present, many Syrian refugees applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain are grappling with this possibility. There were already additional barriers to settlement for refugees with criminal convictions or issues relating to conduct.
Asylum seekers who claimed asylum or made further submissions on or before 1 March 2026 will continue to receive refugee status for five years.
Concerns have been raised about the compatibility of these changes with the UK’s international obligations. Mark Evans, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, has warned that the reforms appear to be in conflict with Article 34 of the Refugee Convention, which requires states to facilitate the “assimilation and naturalisation” of refugees as far as possible.
The new position
People who claimed asylum on or after 2 March 2026 will receive permission to stay in the UK for two and a half years (30 months) instead of five years. An application must be submitted to extend permission as a refugee before it expires and the need for ongoing protection will be reviewed.
The change also applies to those granted humanitarian protection.
The exception is unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, who will still be granted permission to stay for five years after a successful asylum application “while the government considers the appropriate long-term policy for this group”.
Right to work
Asylum seekers who have waited over a year for their claim to be decided can request permission from the Home Office to work. At present, this is limited to roles included in the Appendix Immigration Salary List.
From 26 March 2026, asylum seekers will be permitted to work in a role that appears on Appendix Skilled Occupations provided it is considered to be RQF skill level 6 or above (i.e. degree level). Restrictions on self-employmetn and engaging in setting up a business remain.
More changes to come
Today’s changes are part of a larger plan to create a “core protection” asylum model which will require refugees to live in the UK for 20 years after being granted refugee status before qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
The Home Secretary has announced that new safe and legal routes will open "with community sponsorship becoming the new norm". New work and study routes will be introduced for refugees, possibly leading to faster settlement.
Refugee family reunion applications remain paused while the policy is under review, however the Home Secretary has confirmed that there will be new "financial and integration requirements in line with those expected of British citizens".