Shabana Mahmood to end permanent asylum as number of Channel crossings this year hits nearly 40,000

Under the current system, asylum seekers granted refugee status have it for five years and then can apply for indefinite leave to remain and gain citizenship.

However, new rules will see refugee status become temporary and subject to regular reviews.

Refugees will also be removed as soon as their home countries are deemed safe.

An ally of Ms Mahmood said: "Today, becoming a refugee equals a lifetime of protection in Britain. Ms Mahmood will change that, making refugee status temporary and subject to regular review.

"While this might seem like a small technical shift, this new settlement marks the most significant shift in the treatment of refugees since the Second World War.

"Measures to tackle the small boats and smuggling gangs are vital, but they are not enough. You have to tackle the reason that refugees get on the boats in the first place, and you have to send a message that is heard the world over.

"Ms Mahmood knows that this country is seen as a soft touch on migration, that other countries know it, and that those choosing to get on a small boat know it too.

"Without sending a strong, tough message, the rate of arrivals of illegal migrants will never fall."

The new rules are inspired by Denmark's system, which initially only grants refugees a temporary two-year stay.

The number of asylum applications in the Nordic country is the lowest in 40 years, and the Danish Government has successfully removed 95 per cent of those whose applications were rejected.

It is understood Ms Mahmood hopes to deter "asylum shoppers" who see Britain as a "soft touch" with the new plan.

Channel crossing numbers continue to hit record highs, with 39,075 people arriving in the UK having made the journey in 2025.

However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "These measures go nothing like far enough.

"We need to come out of the European Convention on Human Rights so anyone arriving illegally can be deported within a week, asylum claim or not.

"For others the asylum threshold needs to be raised so bogus claims, for example to have converted to Christianity and similar nonsense, are thrown out.

"If conditions in someone's home country improve then they should certainly be returned."

He added: "I am glad that the Labour Government seems to have adopted the Conservative plan to extend the period to qualify for indefinite leave to remain to 10 years, but even at that point there must be tough conditions to make sure people are actually making a contribution."

It is understood the Home Secretary will reveal the full proposals, which are expected to include new rules on family reunions and set out which crimes will disqualify migrants "outright" from remaining in the UK, on Monday.

Ms Mahmood said: "We must now go further. We need to reduce the numbers coming here illegally.

"We need to remove more people who have no right to be here. We will always be a country that gives sanctuary to those fleeing danger, but we must restore order and control."