Britain to demand £10,000 compensation from refugees

Asylum seekers in Britain could have to repay the state around £10,000 ($13,222) for accommodation and basic living support before becoming eligible ​to apply for settlement, the government said on Monday ‌in its latest effort to deter illegal migration, Report informs via Reuters.

Immigration is one of the most contested issues in British politics, consistently ranking among voters' top concerns in opinion ​polls and at times fueling protests and community tension.

Interior minister Shabana Mahmood said her latest reforms were designed to reduce the burden on taxpayers.

"Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also ​a responsibility," she said. "Once people can contribute and repay the ​generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so."

Under the proposed rules, ‌only ⁠adults who can afford to pay would be charged, with safeguards to prevent them being pushed into destitution, the government said. The rules would not be applied retrospectively and children would be exempt.