Unveiling the plans while speaking at an event organized by a think tank, Mahmood said each failed asylum seeker would be given £10,000 (Rs 1.2 million) to voluntarily leave the country, capped at £40,000 per family. If they refuse, they will be forcibly evicted, and children will not be spared, she said.
The pilot scheme, inspired by Mahmood’s visit to Denmark last week, targets 150 families living in taxpayer-funded hotel accommodation.
The families were notified on Thursday and have seven days to decide whether to accept the payments or face eviction.
Speaking at an event organized by the centre-left think tank the Institute for Public Policy, Mahmoud said: “Today it costs £158,000 a year to house a family of three in a shelter hotel. If these incentives are effective, it will save the taxpayer a huge sum. Today, more than 100,000 people live in shelters, paid for by the taxpayer. This includes those waiting for asylum applications or appeals, as well as thousands more whose applications have failed. Last year alone, £4 billion was spent on asylum accommodation. “
Mahmoud also announced that the British government would temporarily revoke refugee status and review their protection needs every 2.5 years. “If they don’t need it, they’re sent home. Asylum seekers who break the law, work illegally or are able to support themselves will have their accommodation and financial support removed,” she said.
The Home Secretary also announced new legal and safe routes for asylum seekers to travel to the UK, including student refugee routes and work routes.
Reform Party shadow home secretary Zia Yusuf said: “The UK needs mass deportations, not huge cash rewards for illegal immigrants.”
Chris Philp, the Tory shadow home secretary, said: “Offering £40,000 in emigration funding to failed asylum seekers, most of whom are illegal immigrants, will only reward and incentivize illegal immigration.”
More than 100 Labor MPs opposed the new proposals, saying they were too harsh.
The UK government has implemented a voluntary return scheme under which asylum seekers who choose to leave the UK can receive financial support of up to £3,000.