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Temporary protection and 20-year settlement: the asylum overhaul taking shape

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's reform package, set out in March, is now being implemented — with refugee protection becoming temporary and support shifting from duty to discretion.

Eleanor Whitfield

Writer ·

7 min read
The Home Office building in Westminster with the Union flag flying outside
The Home Office building in Westminster with the Union flag flying outside · Illustrative section image

  • Refugee protection to become temporary rather than indefinite
  • Settlement route extended to 20 years under the 'core protection' model
  • Immigration permission as a refugee reduced to 30 months at a time
  • Statement of changes published 5 March 2026

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