UK Home Secretary outlines new immigration and settlement policies

The UK Home Secretary provided evidence to the Home Affairs Committee regarding upcoming settlement policies and transitional arrangements. While the Home Secretary stated that new policies would be implemented later this year, critics warned that the proposals could risk repeating the Windrush scandal. Concerns were also raised regarding the impact of immigration policies on the care sector and the risk of poverty for approximately 90,000 children of migrant workers.

Additional developments include the expected reopening of a resettlement route for Afghan women and girls, as well as Palestinians with medical needs, subject to annual caps. Furthermore, the Immigration and Asylum Bill proposes a ‘refugee tax’ of approximately £10,000, which asylum seekers would need to pay before applying for settlement. Meanwhile, the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration is seeking evidence on Home Office safeguarding arrangements for children at the border.