The UK may require refugees to repay 10,000 pounds to cover the costs of their accommodation
The BBC reports this.
The requirement will apply to adult refugees who are entitled to work in the UK. Migrants who are in work and earn a certain amount will be required to pay a fixed sum, which is expected to be £10,000.
The sum will need to be paid off in instalments before they are granted the right to permanent residence in the country. The Home Office has not yet specified exactly how much a person must earn before they are required to start making these payments.
“Support in the form of asylum is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people are able to make their contribution and thank the British people for their generosity, we expect them to do so,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
According to the Home Office, around £4 billion of taxpayers’ money was spent last year on supporting asylum seekers. The average cost of accommodation per person per night is £23.25 in state-provided accommodation and £144 in a hotel.
The Refugee Council has criticised the proposal as an “additional tax on refugees”.
“The reason why many people need support is that it is the Home Office itself that prohibits asylum seekers from working whilst their claims are being processed,” said the organisation’s director, Imran Hussain.
The Oxford Migration Observatory has questioned how much the government will actually be able to recoup, pointing to low income levels among refugees.
“For example, in 2023, it is estimated that only 13 per cent of those granted refugee status five years ago were earning at least £20,000, whilst the rest were either not in work or had lower incomes,” said Director Madeline Sampson.
As a reminder, the EU had previously proposed extending protection for Ukrainians for one year, but excluding those liable for military service.
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