Paying failed asylum seekers to leave is value for money, says Mahmood

"I've already asked my officials to pilot a small programme where we offer more than we currently do, just to see how that changes behaviour,"

"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. I know it sticks in the craw of many people and they don't like it but it's value for money, it does work and a voluntary return is often the best way to get people to return to their home country as quickly as possible."

"better value for money for the taxpayer"

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is prepared to consider substantially increasing cash incentives to failed asylum seekers to encourage voluntary return, arguing higher payments can be cheaper than long-term support. Current upper limits are understood to be £3,000, and officials have been asked to pilot higher offers to test behavioural effects. Mahmood cites an estimated cost of £30,000 per rejected individual per year for care and contends voluntary return often achieves faster returns. Proposed asylum changes also include removing the current reluctance to prioritise deporting families with children, allowing forcible removal where families refuse to leave.

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