Caritas Social Action Network Condemns New UK Asylum Rules as Incompatible with Gospel Values

Caritas Denounces UK Asylum Policy Overhaul

The Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), the domestic agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, has issued a strong condemnation of the UK government's recently announced asylum policy proposals. In a statement released on December 17, 2025, CSAN declared the new measures to be 'incompatible with the Gospel and the teaching of the Catholic Church'. The criticism follows the government's publication of its proposals in November 2025, which aim to significantly alter the rights and pathways to settlement for asylum seekers in the United Kingdom.

Key Changes in Government's Proposals

The new government proposals introduce several significant changes to the current asylum system. Under existing UK law, individuals granted refugee status receive a five-year protection period, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain. The new plans, however, would drastically reduce this initial protection period to 30 months (2.5 years). Refugees would then be required to reapply for their protected status every 2.5 years and could face removal if their home country is subsequently deemed 'safe'.

Furthermore, the pathway to permanent settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, would be substantially lengthened. The current five-year waiting period for indefinite leave to remain would be quadrupled to 20 years under the new proposals. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who announced these plans, described them as the 'largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times', with the stated aim of reducing irregular immigration and controlling the number of people settling in the UK. The measures are reportedly modelled on Denmark's asylum system.

Concerns Over Family Reunion and Support

CSAN's criticism extends to other aspects of the proposed policy changes. The network highlighted concerns over the government's intention to end the right to family reunion, which would compel individuals to navigate general family visa rules, potentially separating loved ones. The proposals also include increasing the forced removal of adults and families and removing existing safety nets against destitution, which CSAN warns could lead to increased homelessness and vulnerability among asylum seekers. Additionally, the statutory legal duty to provide support to asylum seekers, established in 2005, would be revoked, making assistance discretionary.

Gospel Values and Catholic Social Teaching

In its statement, CSAN underscored that the proposed policies are fundamentally at odds with Catholic social teaching and Gospel values. The organization emphasized the 'inalienable dignity of each human person regardless of origin, race or religion, and the supreme law of fraternal love'. CSAN referenced the Biblical mandate to 'welcome the stranger' and the Church's historical commitment to 'welcome, promote, protect and integrate refugees and people on the move'. The network also cited Pope Francis's warnings against the political exploitation of fear surrounding migration, which can foster xenophobia.