The UK has changed its asylum rules to remove permanent from refugees arriving the country.

Instead, refugees will be told that their asylum status is temporary and will last just 30 months.

In a move that has concerned a refugee charity, the home secretary said that claimants whose countries are deemed to be safe by the UK government will from now on be expected to return.

The announcement comes despite calls from some Labour MPs, unions and advocacy groups for the Keir Starmer-led UK government to shift towards more progressive policies following the Labour Party’s poor results in recent byelections.

The new rules will also double to 10 years the amount of time some foreign nationals must wait before they can settle in the UK.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the policy recognise the concerns of people who feel resentment because “public services are under pressure”.

Under Monday’s changes, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive a 30-month period of protection if it is granted.

At a 30-month review refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those whose countries are now deemed safe will be expected to return home.

The new rules will not apply retrospectively to anyone who has applied before Monday.

Under the previous system, refugees were given years of protection and allowed to bring their families, followed by possible permanent settlement.

About 100,000 people claimed asylum in the UK in 2025, 4 per cent less than the previous year. Half of asylum seekers arrived through unauthorised entry routes, such as small boats.

“Genuine refugees will find safety in Britain, but we must also reduce the incentives that draw people here at such scale, including those without a legitimate need for protection. So, once a refugee’s home is safe and they are able to return, they will be expected to do so,” Ms Mahmoud told UK media.

UK Refugee Council director Imran Hussain said the change would prevent people who have survived “unimaginable danger” from settling and finding work.

“Short-term leave means refugee families who have survived war, persecution and unimaginable danger will face renewed uncertainty every 30 months, damaging integration in the long term,” he said.

“These men, women and children should be able to put down roots, settle into communities, learn English and find work.”

He said his organisation had calculated that the new Home Office assessment workload would cost up to £725m ($A1.5 billion) and result in 1.1m repeat case reviews.

Wider changes, such as the overhaul of the UK asylum appeals system will also come with the introduction of a border security, asylum and immigration bill due in May.

Reports say its introduction will result in a Labour Party rebellion.