What are Shabana Mahmood's changes to the asylum system?

"Under the old system, refugees were granted five years leave to remain and after that could apply for indefinite leave to remain. Under the new rules, however, those granted refugee protection will have this reviewed every 30 months. If their country is no longer deemed to be dangerous the government can now send them back."

"Mahmood has temporarily halted new study visas for students from four countries: Cameroon, Sudan, Myanmar and Afghanistan, as well as skilled worker visas from Afghanistan only. Home Office officials say they took the action for two reasons: the high numbers of arrivals on those visas who went on to claim asylum, and the refusal of those countries to take back people whose claims had been refused."

"Under a new scheme, 150 families of failed asylum seekers who are living in hotels will be offered up to 40,000 to return voluntarily to their countries. The families have already been identified and contacted, and now have seven days to decide whether or not to take up the offer. If they decline they will be forcibly removed."

Shabana Mahmood announced comprehensive changes to migration rules affecting both regular and irregular migration. Refugee protection now requires review every 30 months instead of granting five-year leave, allowing deportation if countries are deemed safe. Study visas halted for students from Cameroon, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, plus skilled worker visas from Afghanistan, citing high asylum claim rates and countries' refusal to accept deportees. A new voluntary return scheme offers 150 families of failed asylum seekers up to £40,000 to return home, with seven days to decide before forced removal. Some changes took immediate effect without Commons votes, while others remain under consultation.

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