On March 5, 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a new pilot scheme where families of failed asylum seekers are offered up to £40,000 to voluntarily leave the UK.

 

Bribe failed asylum seekers with £40k to leave the UK

On March 5, 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a new pilot scheme where families of failed asylum seekers are offered up to £40,000 to voluntarily leave the UK.

 

Key Details of the Scheme

Payment Structure: Failed asylum seekers are offered £10,000 per person, capped at a maximum of four people per family (£40,000 total).

Tight Deadline: Families have only seven days to accept the offer.

Consequences of Refusal: Those who decline the payment within the one-week window face forced removal and will no longer be eligible for the cash incentive.

Target Group: The initial trial targets approximately 150 families currently living in taxpayer-funded accommodation.

Method of Payment: The funds are expected to be issued on prepaid debit cards once the individuals have departed the UK.

 

Rationale and Criticism

Cost Savings: The government argues the payments are "value for money," as housing a family of three in asylum accommodation costs up to £158,000 per year. Officials estimate the scheme could save £20 million annually if expanded nationwide.

International Precedent: The policy is modeled after a similar system in Denmark, where families are offered up to £30,000 to leave quickly.

 

Political Opposition:

Reform UK described the payments as a "prize for breaking in illegally".

The Conservative Party called the offer an "insult to the British taxpayer".

Charities and Campaigners warned that the short deadline and potential for forced removal could be "traumatising" for children and lead to "chaos rather than control".