Britain may require some refugees to reimburse the government for the funds it has spent
The United Kingdom plans to introduce a new requirement for some asylum seekers—reimbursement of the government’s costs for their support while their applications are being processed. This payment could become one of the conditions for obtaining the right to permanent residence in the country. At the same time, the new measure will not apply to all categories of migrants; specifically, the situation regarding Ukrainians requires further clarification.
The provision is included in the Immigration and Asylum Bill. The bill grants the Home Office the authority to recover funds from adults who received living or food allowances—but only if the individual is financially able to do so.
As noted, the expected amount of compensation is approximately 10,000 pounds sterling (nearly 11,000 euros).
“We have already cut asylum costs by 1 billion pounds, but it is also right to ask those who can contribute to do so. Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility,” the statement reads.
London officials emphasize that supporting refugees is not only a right but also a responsibility for those who are able to share the burden with the state.
Do Refugees Find Work?
It is noted that among people aged 16–64 who were granted refugee status between 2015 and 2023, one in four found work within the first year after receiving their status. This figure continues to rise: within two years, the proportion of those employed approaches 50%.
The press release highlights another statistic: among those who were working eight years after receiving refugee status, 37% were employed full-time with a median annual income of 23,000 pounds.
At the same time, the government continues to downsize the network of hotels used for temporary refugee housing: 31 such facilities have already closed since April. Some residents have been relocated to more basic housing—specifically, to facilities that previously belonged to the military.
Will this affect Ukrainians?
The law does not single out Ukrainian citizens as a separate category. The new financial requirements apply to the general asylum procedure, whereas the vast majority of Ukrainians are in the UK under other programs—Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme. Formally, these programs are not subject to the bill.
This is reported in a press release from the British government.
The UK has sent a new shipment of fire trucks to Ukraine.
Earlier, Slovakia donated a shipment of modern medical equipment worth over 340,000 euros to Ukraine, which was received by hospitals in Vinnytsia and Kyiv. Officials in Bratislava emphasize that this is part of systematic humanitarian support during the war and an investment in the development of Ukrainian medicine.
