Our statement on the Government’s Earned Settlement plans.
5 November 2026
Many Centre Members, staff and volunteers at St Augustine’s Centre are worried about what this statement will mean for them, many of whom have already been through so much.
“Since arriving in this country, I have volunteered and worked hard to contribute to my community and give back wherever I can. Despite this, new barriers continue to be placed in front of people like me. We have already overcome so many challenges and shown incredible resilience. The constant uncertainty takes a toll on our mental health and can retraumatise those who have already experienced hardship. We are not asking for special treatment, only to be recognised and treated like everyone else, without being defined by a label we never chose.” (Staff member with lived experience)
The Home Secretary’s announcement on the governments settlement plans could mean people waiting up to 30 years to gain settlement.
Here at St Augustine’s, we want to express our concerns about the impact these proposals could have on Centre Members and refugees across the country.
People seeking asylum have already been through so much and have lived with long periods of uncertainty, waiting for decisions on their asylum claims.
When they finally receive refugee status, they begin to find hope again. They start to settle, rebuild their lives and think about their future.
Then they are told they may have to wait many more years to gain settlement and eventually become citizens.
The journey is not easy, and neither is the process. Many refugees now consider the UK their home, yet the government is telling them, once again, that they are not there yet and must keep waiting.
These changes will have a serious impact on the wellbeing of refugees across the country and will affect their future opportunities.
We are asking for a fair system, but what is being proposed under a consultation titled A FAIRER PATHWAY TO SETTLEMENT does not feel fair at all to those who have been here for years and are close to applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Suddenly changing the rules and making people wait longer ignores the fact that they are human beings, with feelings, hopes and plans for their own future and their children’s future.
We are also worried about linking access to public funds and the repayment of asylum support costs.
These proposals could lead to destitution, and people may avoid claiming benefits they are entitled to for their children.
This could affect children’s wellbeing and push more families into poverty.
Hakar, a staff member with lived experience who will also be affected by these changes, shared with us:
“This is worrying for me and my family. It is uncertainty all over again, after what we thought was the end of that uncertainty when we received refugee status. Why should my children have to wait all these years? This will affect them. Every day there is a new rule or consultation, and it is stressful and makes us anxious.”
Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
We need to give people hope, not take it away from them.