On 12 May 2025, the UK government published a white paper setting out their plans to reform the immigration system.

The immigration white paper sets out the Government’s proposals for future legislation on immigration. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted at the press conference, “every area of the immigration system – work, family, and study – will be tightened up so we have more control” and “[t]his strategy will finally take back control of our borders”.

The white paper signals sweeping reforms of the UK immigration system. Some of the reforms impacting asylum seekers and refugees are summarised below.

Proposed reforms affecting asylum seekers

• Tighten the rules to make it easier to refuse entry or asylum to those persons who break the rules or the law, and ensure that those who break them are removed.
• Draw up new policies applicable to individuals who claim asylum where conditions in their home country have not materially changed.
• The white paper also indicates that further steps on border security and asylum reforms will be set out later this year.

Proposed reforms affecting refugees’ right to work

• Explore reforms to permit a limited pool of UNHCR recognised refugees to apply for employment in the UK.
• Review the refugee sponsorship and resettlement schemes to ensure there is a clear sponsorship framework in which businesses, universities, and community groups are involved in sustainable ways of sponsoring refugees to live, work and study in the UK.

Proposed reforms affecting family reunion

• Set out a new family policy, which will apply to refugees seeking to bring family members to the UK. Some of the changes include: ensuring that those coming to the UK have an appropriate level of English; ensuring the family unit has sufficient money financially; tightening the Suitability Rules under the family routes to ensure individuals are of expected good character; and clarify the rules in respect of Article 8 (the right for family and private life), so that fewer cases are treated as ‘exceptional’.

At this stage, the contents of the White Paper are only proposals. It is, nonetheless, demonstrative of a changing attitude and climate towards individuals seeking protection in the UK.  

Should the measures in the White Paper be implemented, the process of seeking protection in the UK (and subsequently, reuniting with families) will likely become significantly more difficult. It is therefore strongly recommended to seek expert legal advice to assist with such applications.

How Gherson can assist

At Gherson, our team has a renowned track record in succeeding in some of the most complex immigration cases ever dealt with by the Home Office or the Courts. Gherson also has expertise in family reunification in the UK.

Gherson has extensive experience advising on complex asylum matters and is highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

Updated: 13 May 2025

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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