£10,000 Advance Fee Imposed on Pakistanis Seeking Asylum in UK

People from Pakistan seeking asylum in the UK could be affected by a proposed new rule that would require successful applicants to repay around £10,000 towards the cost of taxpayer-funded housing and support after they start earning.

The measure is not limited to Pakistanis alone and is part of wider changes in the Immigration and Asylum Bill, which would apply to adult refugees with sufficient financial means.

Under the proposed system, asylum seekers granted refugee status would be expected to repay a flat-rate amount once they begin earning above a threshold that has yet to be finalized. Those who have the right to work in the UK may also have to clear the charge before becoming eligible for permanent settlement.

The plan would also apply to failed asylum seekers who leave the country, with repayment required before they are allowed to return to the UK in future.

The UK government says the move is aimed at recovering part of the cost of supporting asylum seekers. Officials say about £4 billion in taxpayer money was spent on asylum support last year. Current estimates put the nightly cost of housing an asylum seeker at £23.25 in private rented accommodation and £144 in a hotel, while weekly subsistence payments range from £9.95 to £49.18 per person.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes are meant to show that asylum support is “a right, but it is also a responsibility,” adding that people should repay support once they are in a position to contribute.

Critics, however, say the proposal could place an unfair financial burden on refugees who are already struggling to rebuild their lives. Refugee groups argue that many asylum seekers are barred from working while their claims are being processed, making it difficult for them to become financially stable even after receiving refugee status.

Migration experts have also questioned how much money the government can realistically recover through the scheme. Available figures suggest employment and income levels among refugees remain relatively low in the years after asylum is granted, meaning only a limited number may earn enough to make meaningful repayments.

The bill also includes broader asylum changes, including a new immigration appeals authority aimed at speeding up removals of failed applicants, tighter treatment of some human rights and modern slavery claims, and new capped safe and legal routes under sponsorship models.

Disclaimer: The image accompanying this story is a generic, illustrative photo and has no direct connection to the individuals or cases discussed in the report.