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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has expressed openness to significantly increasing financial incentives offered to failed asylum seekers to encourage their voluntary departure from the UK. In an interview with the BBC, she explained that providing cash payments is often more cost-effective for taxpayers compared to the expenses involved in accommodating and supporting individuals who remain in the country after their asylum claims have been refused.
Mahmood highlighted that the current annual cost to taxpayers for each failed asylum seeker is approximately £30,000, which makes enhanced cash offers potentially a better value. Although the existing maximum payment is around £3,000, she revealed plans to pilot a scheme offering higher sums to observe its impact on encouraging return home. “I haven’t alighted on the full sums involved yet but I’m willing to consider a big increase on what we currently pay and that’s because… that’s often better value for money for the taxpayer,” she stated. Mahmood acknowledged that this approach might be unpopular but maintained that voluntary returns tend to be the most efficient way to achieve faster departures.
Another contentious element of the government’s proposed immigration changes involves the deportation of families with children who have had their asylum claims rejected. Currently, such families are not a priority for removal, but the new proposals would allow their forcible deportation if they refuse to leave voluntarily. This notion has faced criticism from some Labour politicians, including Lord Dubs, a Labour peer and former Kindertransport refugee, who accused Mahmood of “weaponising children.” Mahmood responded firmly, denying she would use children in such a manner and explaining her responsibility to eliminate incentives that might encourage dangerous Channel crossings. She emphasized fairness to taxpayers, saying, “It is right that if you’re a failed asylum seeker, the fact that you have a child under 18 is not a reason why you should remain here in supported asylum accommodation forever more.”
Lastly, questions have arisen surrounding reports that asylum seekers might be required to surrender valuable items at the border. Mahmood clarified that sentimental possessions like wedding rings would not be confiscated. However, items considered luxurious, such as expensive watches, e-bikes, or cars, could be subject to contributions toward the costs of their stay. She gave an example of an asylum seeker receiving £800 monthly from family who purchased an Audi but did not contribute toward accommodation expenses. Mahmood drew parallels to the British benefits system, where assets influence social security payments, aiming to establish a comparable standard for asylum seekers. “So what I’m trying to do with that change is put asylum seekers on the same sort of playing field that British citizens are on,” she said
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