UK to grant refugees 30 months of protection under new policy

Author: Sheetal Frank, MA

March 9, 2026

HRRC acknowledges the efforts of the UK government to tighten its borders for security and to prevent illegal entry into the country. However, HRRC emphasises that any policy involving temporary refugee protection must adhere to the principle of non-refoulement under the 1951 Refugee Convention, and that human rights should be granted and respected for refugees without compromising long-term stability, family life, and integration.

Migrants arriving in Dover Britain [Photo Credit: Chris J.Ratcliffe/Reuters] 

UK Secretary of State Shabana Mahmood, also known as the Home Secretary,has announced that asylum seekers given refugee status will only be offered temporary protection that will be reviewed every 30 months to determine if individuals can return to their home country, if it is safe to do so. 

This change will commence from March 2 for those who claim asylum. Protection will be extended for refugees who are unable to return to their home country due to ongoing conflict and danger while other refugees will be expected to return once their country has become safe and protection is no longer required.

This policy was inspired by the home secretary’s recent trip to Denmark, which has changed its model to review asylum cases at least every two years, whereas it previously offered refugees protection for up to seven years. She says this is a ‘firm but fair approach’ that will aid ‘restoring Britain's borders, while protecting those fleeing war and repression’. 

Human rights concerns have been raised, as this new policy can cause uncertainty and affect jobs, education, and family life.The 1951 Refugee Convention was designed to provide stability to individuals once they are recognised as refugees. However, the 30-month protection can create further uncertainty and raise questions on how the safety of the country will be assessed to confirm if an individual is safe to return. 

Such incidents can pose a risk of breaching the legal principle of non-refoulement under international law, which states that a refugee cannot be sent back to a country where they face danger or persecution. 

Other civil liberty organisations also raise concerns and suggest that this can prevent individuals from integrating into society and participating in 'civic life’. Amnesty International has condemned the UK government’s announcement on changes to the asylum policy and warns that this can take a critical turn by treating fundamental human rights as optional. 

Amnesty International further adds that the policy removes the state’s responsibility to support individuals who are already in a vulnerable position and excludes a particular group from protection against inhuman and degrading treatment and the right to family life, causing further distress and increased costs.

Amnesty International warns that the government is at risk of disregarding the European Convention on Human Rights, which promotes civil and political rights and may encourage future governments to withdraw completely.

The UK government aims to control its borders to deter illegal immigration and implement new and safe legal routes. However, it should also take into consideration the human rights concerns affecting refugees and the ongoing concerns expressed by civil liberty organisations to ensure all groups are treated fairly and can exercise their rights regardless of status.

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Glossary

• 1951 Refugee Convention- An International treaty adopted by the United Nations which defines who qualifies as a refugee and states the legal protection, rights and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive.

• Adhere- To closely follow and observe a process 

• Asylum seekers- Individuals leaving their home country due to war and conflict or persecution and seeking international protection in a new country, and who are awaiting a decision on their status.

• Breaching- To break or compromise what is required by law or an agreement.

• Civic life- Engaging in society to improve conditions, influence decisions, and address public issues through voting, volunteering and advocating.

• Conflict- Clashes and disagreements between countries based on opposing interests, which can lead to violence and war.

• Civil liberty organisation- An independent nin-governmental group that works to defend and protect human rights and freedoms.

• Disregard- Paying no attention to a law or policy and ignoring it.

• Distress- Feelings of pain, anxiety, sorrow, and physical harm.

• European Convention on Human Rights- Is an international treaty signed in 1950 by council of Europe members to protect fundamental rights such as the right to life, fair trial and freedom from torture. 

• Illegal immigration- The act of entering or remaining in a country without legal paperwork by overstaying a visa or working without permission.

• Inhuman and degrading treatment – It is a violation of human rights that is prohibited in Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and is the act of causing physical or mental harm, humiliating and violating human dignity.

• Integration- An act of unity and mixing in with diverse groups, promoting shared values, rights, and responsibilities and bridging the gap between new individuals coming to a country and the hosting country to ensure equal access to opportunities.

• Non-refoulement- An international law principle that prohibits countries from sending individuals back to a place where they face persecution, torture, or harm.

• Persecution- An act of violence or ill-treatment towards individuals based on their religious beliefs, race, political opinion, or sexual orientation. 

• Protection-  The act of safeguarding individuals from harm, danger, or loss to ensure everyone can live safely.

• Refugees- An individual forced to flee a country to cross an international border for safety due to fear of persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion, or to escape war and conflict.

• Repression- Actions taken by a government or authority to restrict or suppress or control political opposition, protests or individual freedoms.

• Status- Legal recognition granted to refugees fleeing their home country and given the right to work, live and study in the country.

• Uncertainty- A state of limited information on future outcomes and uncertainty about present circumstances.

• Withdraw- The act of removing something from a place or position.