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The Scottish government has expressed serious concerns regarding new asylum policy reforms recently proposed by the UK home secretary. These reforms, outlined in the latest government statement, include a significant increase in the waiting period before most asylum seekers can apply for permanent settlement—from five years under current regulations to 20 years. The plans also aim to accelerate deportations for rejected claims and introduce more frequent reviews of refugee status, reducing the interval from five years to every two and a half years. Additionally, if an asylum seeker’s country is deemed safe at any point, they may face deportation.
Shabana Mahmood, who announced these sweeping changes, emphasized her “moral duty” to address what she called the “broken asylum system” in the UK. She highlighted that more than 100,000 people currently living in taxpayer-funded asylum accommodation often remain unemployed years after being granted protection, relying heavily on benefits. Mahmood insisted that this situation must change in order to “unite what is today a divided country.” However, Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville criticized the proposals, stating that they would fail to produce “a controlled and humane asylum system.” Somerville insisted that the UK government has an international duty and legal obligation to protect individuals fleeing violence and persecution, and she condemned efforts to restrict refugee human rights.
Under the current system, individuals granted refugee status can apply for indefinite leave to remain or settled status after five years. The new proposals would require a 20-year wait to apply for permanent settlement, although some might qualify for early applications if they arrived through “safe and legal routes.” The reforms also propose limiting asylum seekers to a single appeal against deportation decisions, with unsuccessful applicants being promptly removed from the country. The Home Office plans to revise interpretations of certain human rights protections, notably the right to family life under the European Convention of Human Rights, applying these only when immediate family members reside in the UK. Furthermore, the government has threatened to impose visa restrictions on countries that refuse to accept deported criminals and illegal immigrants.
The reaction to these proposals within Scotland has been mixed. Shirley-Anne Somerville expressed worry that the reforms would place additional financial burdens on local councils and conflict with Scotland’s more welcoming approach toward refugees. She called for cooperation between the Home Office and Scottish authorities to ensure families can rebuild their lives and contribute economically and socially. Personal perspectives on the reforms were shared by Motaz Amer, a refugee from Yemen studying at the University of Glasgow. Amer described the idea of waiting up to 20 years for settlement as “really worrying,” stressing that asylum seekers and refugees are individuals with hopes, skills, and ambitions who want stability and the chance to contribute to society.
Political voices in Scotland presented a range of views. Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized what he called the failure of the Labour government to control immigration, welcoming the home secretary’s announcement as a small but positive step. He suggested the only truly effective way to tackle illegal immigration would be for the UK to leave the European Court of Human Rights. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour MP Chris Murray supported the reforms, claiming they would create a “controlled” and “fair” system, though he also warned that failure to reform asylum policies could fuel far-right sentiment. On another note, Reform UK councillor Thomas Kerr accused the government of engaging in “headline-grabbing” while calling for the UK to leave the ECHR to prevent courts from blocking deportations. Kerr affirmed Glasgow’s reputation as a welcoming city but expressed concern about some asylum claimants abusing the system.
The context for these debates includes escalating asylum claims in Britain, reaching a record 111,000 applications in the year up to June 2025. There is also a backlog of over 50,000 appeals, with waiting times exceeding one year. Migration has significantly contributed to Scotland’s population growth despite a declining birth rate. This has coincided with immigration becoming a top concern for many Scottish voters. The Home Office currently handles housing for asylum seekers, but their support often ends once refugee status is granted, leading to increased homelessness. Local Scottish authorities, legally obliged to assist homeless people, are facing growing pressures. Glasgow, which hosts approximately 3,800 asylum seekers—more than any UK city outside London—has reported running out of temporary accommodation. Similarly, Highland Council has voiced concerns over community cohesion following plans to temporarily house around 300 men in Cameron Barracks near Inverness
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