The United Kingdom has announced a new policy requiring recognized asylum seekers to repay about £10,000, equivalent to roughly 1.63 million Bangladeshi taka, as part of the cost of state-provided accommodation and support. Those who fail to make the payment will not be eligible to apply for permanent residency. The proposal is scheduled to be presented to the British Parliament on Tuesday and is part of the new Immigration and Asylum Act. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the measure aims to reduce the government’s annual £4 billion spending on asylum support.

Officials compared the repayment model to a student loan system, but human rights and refugee aid groups have strongly criticized it, calling it an unfair tax on people fleeing war, persecution, and famine. Experts noted that the government’s revenue from the scheme would be limited, as fewer than 15 percent of refugees earn more than £20,000 annually even five years after receiving asylum.

The Home Office stated that income thresholds and repayment details will be set later through secondary legislation. The bill also includes provisions to strengthen age assessments and revise modern slavery frameworks.