The UK government has proposed a new policy that could require some asylum seekers to repay part of the public support they received before becoming eligible for permanent settlement.

Under the proposal, eligible applicants who are financially able may be asked to repay up to £10,000 to cover part of the costs of accommodation and living assistance provided during the asylum process, according to Reuters.

Announcing the plan on Monday, the government said the measure is intended to discourage illegal migration and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said providing support to asylum seekers is a responsibility of the state, but those who later become financially secure should contribute towards the cost of that assistance. She added that repayments would only be sought from individuals who can afford them, with safeguards in place to prevent financial hardship.

The government said the proposal would apply only to adults and would not affect children. It also clarified that the policy would not be applied retrospectively to people who have already been granted asylum.

Immigration remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in the UK. The governing Labour Party has recently tightened its approach to migration, while the opposition Reform UK has pledged even stricter immigration measures.

Government figures show that temporary accommodation for an asylum seeker costs an average of £23.25 per night, rising to as much as £144 per night for hotel accommodation. In addition, asylum seekers receive weekly financial support. Overall, the government spent around £4 billion on asylum accommodation and related support last year.