UK’s New Asylum & Returns Policy: “Restoring Order and Control”
On 17 Nov 2025, The UK Government published its new policy paper titled Restoring Order and Control: A statement on the government’s asylum and returns policy , which marks a major shift in how the asylum and returns system will work.
Below is a simplified breakdown of what the policy covers, what the changes mean, and what you should keep an eye on.
What’s Changing: Settlement, Protection, Support
Key changes now part of government policy:
Refugee status will no longer lead quickly to permanent settlement. Under the new “core protection” model, an initial leave will last 30 months and must be renewed if protection is still required.
Indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement) will generally only be possible after 20 years in the UK under the new model.
A new “work & study” route will be introduced, allowing those with protection to move onto it (if eligible) and possibly reach settlement sooner.
The legal duty on the government to provide asylum seekers with support (if destitute) will be removed and replaced with a discretionary power. That means less automatic support.
Family reunion rights will be tightened: under “core protection” those granted status may not automatically bring dependants, stricter criteria will apply.
What this means in practice:
If you are newly granted protection under the new system, you should expect that:
Your leave will be for a shorter period and you’ll face renewed checks on whether it’s still needed.
Settlement will be a long-term goal (two decades) unless you can move onto the work & study route and meet its requirements.
Access to support and rights (family reunion, public funds) may be more limited than under the previous model.
What’s Changing: Removals, Appeals, Legal Rights
Key changes now part of policy:
The government intends to increase removals of people who have no right to stay. That includes revisiting countries to which removals were previously paused.
A new appeals system will be introduced: a single appeal route for many asylum decisions, faster processing for cases deemed to have little chance of success.
Legal tests around private/family life (e.g., under Article 8) will be adjusted, the balance between individual rights and public interest will shift.
What this means in practice:
If your claim is unsuccessful, you may face quicker removal, fewer chances to appeal, and stricter rules around staying on human-rights grounds or linking to family members in the UK.
For those already here or with family ties, you’ll want to check how (and whether) these new rules apply to your situation, some changes may affect new claims or may require legislation.
What’s Changing: Safe & Legal Routes
Key elements:
The policy states the UK will continue to accept refugees through safe and legal routes, but these will be capped and tightly controlled.
Those arriving via the reformed resettlement routes may expect a route to settlement after 10 years, subject to “earned settlement” criteria (though full details are to come).
What this means in practice:
Good news: there will still be legal paths for people who need protection.
But the paths will be fewer, slower, and tougher than before, you may need to meet extra criteria (for example around work, study, contribution).
If you’re in a situation where safe routes matter (resettlement, sponsorship, study/skills), get advice early to understand your eligibility under the new system.
Important Notes & Things to Watch
While the policy statement is official and published, many details are still to be worked out (via legislation, immigration rules, consultations).
The document does not make everything effective immediately, some changes will roll out later, subject to further regulation or law.
It’s not yet fully clear who exactly these new rules will apply to (e.g., people already in the system, those granted status before the cut-off, new arrivals).
Some of the rules raise significant legal and human-rights questions (e.g., support removal, family rights, long wait for settlement) and could be challenged.
What You Should Do If This Affects You
If you are applying for asylum or protection, it’s more important than ever to get good legal advice early: the new model means less certainty around settlement and support.
If you already hold protection status or are in an ongoing claim, monitor announcements and rule changes to see if your rights or route are affected.
If you rely on family/relationship migration or support, check whether you meet any new requirements that may apply under the tighter rules.
If you’re eligible for a safe/ legal route (resettlement, scholarships, work for displaced people), explore your options now, because these routes will be capped and subject to new criteria.
If you’re an adviser, community organiser or supporter: stay tuned for the detailed rules, consult with legal specialists, and consider how these changes may affect people you help.
In Summary
This is not just another immigration white paper: it is a policy statement that sets out the government’s new direction for UK asylum and returns. The headline is clear: a shift from earlier settlement and broader support, toward greater control, longer waits for settlement, fewer automatic rights, and stronger enforcement. While some legal routes remain, the terms will be tougher and the timeline longer.
If you or someone you know is impacted, now is the time to review your position, seek advice, and keep an eye on how the detailed rules emerge.
Where to Get Help
If you are unsure how these changes might affect you, seek immigration advice as early as possible.
Please use the following link to book a consultation with us CLICK HERE
At Tulia, we believe that everyone deserves to have a safe and welcoming place to call home. We are committed to helping migrants settle well in the UK and to achieve their full potential. Don’t forget to share this article!
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