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Under proposed UK government plans, refugees granted asylum may have to repay around £10,000 towards housing and support costs once they begin earning.
‘Not A Single Asylum Seeker Will Pay’: Internet Reacts As UK Plans To Make Refugees Pay Back £10,000 For Support After Getting Jobs (Representational Image)
The UK government’s latest asylum proposal has sparked a massive debate online after officials announced that refugees granted asylum may soon have to repay around £10,000 towards the cost of taxpayer-funded housing and support.
The policy, shared by the UK Home Office and detailed in reports by BBC, is part of the proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill. Under the new rules, asylum seekers who are eventually granted refugee status and begin earning above a certain threshold would be required to repay the government in monthly instalments.
“Asylum seekers who are granted refugee status will be expected to pay a total of around £10,000 to recoup some of the costs of taxpayer-funded housing and support,” the UK Home Office said in a post on X.
The government clarified that the amount would apply as a flat-rate repayment system aimed at adults who have sufficient funds once they are financially stable. Officials are yet to confirm the salary threshold that would trigger repayments.
The proposal would also affect asylum seekers who are allowed to work in the UK. According to the plan, they would need to clear the repayment amount before becoming eligible for permanent settlement. Meanwhile, rejected asylum seekers who leave the UK may also be required to repay costs before being allowed to return.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the move, saying it was about balancing support with accountability. “Asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility,” she said, as quoted by BBC. “Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so.”
The announcement went viral online, where reactions ranged from support to outright disbelief and criticism.
“They will never pay a cent. They will jack as much money as they possibly can,” one user commented.
Another questioned how refugees fleeing dangerous situations would realistically repay such large amounts. “If they are asylum seekers which means seeking for a place to stay how will they pay… there needs to be a solution if they cant pay they will try enter illegally,” the person wrote.
Some users argued the proposal fundamentally misunderstands the concept of asylum and refugee protection.
Asylum seekers who are granted refugee status will be expected to pay a total of around £10,000 to recoup some of the costs of taxpayer-funded housing and support.— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) June 30, 2026
“Refugees are, by definition, people who have left their country of origin for fear of their lives and intend to return when or if that threat no longer exists. They are not immigrants. Charging them for this makes a mockery of the entire system. The Good Samaritan did not present the man he helped with a bill,” another user remarked.
Others claimed the policy was more symbolic than practical.
“Not a single asylum seeker will pay a single penny under this scheme. It’s a fabrication designed to placate the British public into thinking: ‘Oh, they’re paying for themselves. It’s not that bad,’” a comment read.
Another person alleged that even if repayments happen, the burden would still ultimately fall on taxpayers. “Left-wing NGO’s who are funded by taxpayer money will pay that fee. So it all comes out of the public’s pocket anyways,” the user wrote.
About the Author
Mallika Bhagat is a Deputy News Editor at News18, where she leads the Lifestyle and Viral desks. A seasoned journalist and content strategist, she brings a decade of high-impact experience from India’…Read More
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