From scrapping the Rwanda plan, to the trial ‘move-on’ period extension, HIAS+JCORE helped secure some vital advocacy wins in 2024. But as we enter 2025, what policy changes do we need to see to make our asylum system truly fair and compassionate? Our Advocacy Intern Rebecca Rifkind-Brown outlines five key steps the Government must take this year.
As 2025 begins to unfold, we step into a year with a backdrop of record global displacement. Around the world, over 120 million people have had to flee their homes – one in every 67 people. Within this context, reforming our immigration system into one that is fair, humane, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable, is more important than ever.
HIAS+JCORE stands steadfast in our commitment to effective policy changes that uphold the rights and dignity of displaced people. We are, therefore, advocating for the following five key policy changes in 2025. All reflect our dedication to addressing the immediate needs of refugees and asylum seekers – and the broader systemic issues that shape their journeys to the UK.
1: A permanent 56-day ‘move-on period’
In December 2024, the Government announced a pilot program to extend the move-on period from 28 to 56 days (running until June 2025). This policy change will have a huge impact on the lives of so many new refugees. It will ensure they get a fair start – and have the essential time needed to secure housing, accommodation, and benefits. Now, we must ensure that the Government makes this change permanent. Doing so would ensure that all people seeking asylum who are granted positive decisions get the fair chance they deserve.
2: Lift the Ban
In the UK, asylum seekers are banned from working as they wait months – and often years – to be given refugee status. This restrictive policy forces many people into poverty and destitution.
Research also shows that ‘lifting the ban’ could boost the economy by as much as £333 million annually.
This policy isn’t just morally right and economically sensible: it’s hugely popular. A significant majority – 81% – of the UK public are in favour of granting asylum seekers the right to work. This policy change is common sense.
3. Scrap pseudoscientific age assessments
The Government must overhaul the current age assessment system – it is failing thousands of young, unaccompanied minors every year. Currently, the Home Office is incorrectly assessing the age of children at alarmingly high rates, relying on pseudo-scientific methods of age determination. The result? Severe mental and physical well-being consequences, and serious safeguarding concerns. The Home Office must replace its current approach with one that prioritizes safeguarding at its core.
4. Expand family reunion
We are calling on the Government to expand the scope of family reunion provisions to include a broader definition of family members. Key to this is enabling unaccompanied minors to sponsor their siblings and parents – bringing families together.
5. Introduce a humanitarian visa
The UK should also introduce a humanitarian visa scheme to allow people to safely travel here to claim asylum. Doing so would prevent people being forced into dangerous journeys, and help challenge the business model of people smugglers.
It would focus on countries with high channel crossings and asylum grant rates, and it would be aimed at helping vulnerable populations who have fled major crises and persecution. It’s simple: introducing new safe routes will save lives.
