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The UK’s New Refugee Policy: The Beginning of the “Core Protection” Era

The UK’s New Refugee Policy: The Beginning of the “Core Protection” Era

November 22, 2025

Until now, the protection offered by the United Kingdom to refugees has been more comprehensive and long-term compared to many European countries. A five-year residence period, followed by a virtually requirement-free and free-of-charge settlement (ILR) process, along with fee-free family reunion, made the UK’s system particularly attractive for those seeking long-term protection.

However, with the “Command Paper” published by the Home Office on 17 November 2025, this entire approach is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Although this document is not yet legislation, it lays the groundwork for a major reform package expected next year. It is widely considered one of the most significant and far-reaching asylum reform proposals in recent years.

Why a New System?

The government outlines four key reasons behind this shift:

The rise in small-boat Channel crossings
Increasing numbers of asylum seekers receiving state support
Accumulating cases of rejected applicants who cannot be removed
The overall cost of the system becoming “unsustainable”

For these reasons, the government has stated clearly that it aims to reshape the system into one that is “more controlled, more deterrent, and more temporary.”

The New Model: “Core Protection”

Under the new policy direction, refugee status will no longer equate to long-term residence or an automatic path to settlement. Instead, the system will be redesigned to offer only the minimum level of protection required under international obligations.

Here are the most significant changes:

1. Shortened Leave to Remain

Current system: 5-year refugee leave → then ILR
New system: 30-month leave → renewable only if protection is still needed

This means refugee status will no longer offer long-term security. When an individual is no longer considered in need of protection, removal from the UK will be pursued.

2. The Path to Settlement Increases to 20 Years

Until now, a refugee could apply for ILR after five years.
Under the new system, ILR will only be available after 20 years in the UK.

Further criteria will be developed through an upcoming consultation titled “earned settlement”, but it is already clear that the new timeline will not fall below 20 years.

3. The New “Protection Work and Study Route”

The government does not want refugees to remain stuck on the Core Protection route long-term. To promote faster integration, a new route is being introduced.

A refugee may switch into this route if they:

Secure a suitable level of employment, or
Enrol in an eligible educational programme, and
Pay the required application fee

This Work & Study Route offers:

Faster integration
An earlier route to settlement compared to Core Protection

This will likely become the main pathway for refugees wishing to build a long-term future in the UK.

4. Family Reunion Is No Longer Automatic

Under the current system, refugees have an automatic and fee-free right to bring family members to the UK.

The new system removes this right:

No automatic family reunion under Core Protection
Family sponsorship only possible after switching to the Work & Study route
Sponsorship conditions will mirror those of other migration categories

This will make family reunion significantly more complex and more expensive.

5. Reduced Access to Public Funds

The government plans to limit access to taxpayer-funded benefits.
The stated aim is to: “Prioritise access for those who make an economic contribution.”

A formal consultation will begin in 2026, and conditions for accessing benefits are expected to tighten substantially.

6. Tougher Measures on Illegal Working

Although broader than refugee policy, these changes will still impact refugees:

Major increase in employer liability
Expansion of right-to-work checks
Mandatory digital identity verification
Record-high fines and enforcement activity

This will make it considerably harder for those with unclear or temporary protection status to find work.

Conclusion: A New Era in the UK Asylum System

This policy package is being described as the most extensive and strict asylum reform in modern UK history. The UK is shifting towards a model that provides protection but does not guarantee long-term residence.

For anyone wishing to build a lasting future in the UK, the Work & Study Route will become the most realistic path.

These changes will directly affect both current refugees and those planning to apply in the future.