Government publishes new details of major Immigration and Asylum Bill reforms

The government has published new details explaining proposed reforms to the UK's immigration and asylum system through the Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026.
The Home Office released a series of factsheets on 8 October covering measures including immigration appeals, refugee protection, Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, asylum-support costs and modern slavery.
The Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 30 June 2026 and has progressed to committee stage. It has not yet become law and may still be amended as it moves through Parliament. GOV.UK
What is being proposed?
Among the proposals is the creation of an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority, which the government says is intended to speed up the immigration appeals system.
The legislation also proposes a new core protection model for people recognised as refugees or otherwise requiring humanitarian protection.
Another part of the Bill concerns asylum support. The government proposes making people contribute towards the support they receive where they have sufficient money or assets to do so.
Changes are also proposed to how Article 8 — the right to respect for private and family life — operates within immigration cases, alongside reforms affecting the modern slavery system. GOV.UK
Still going through Parliament
The legislation should not be described as existing law.
UK Parliament records show that the Bill completed its second reading in July and has been undergoing scrutiny at committee stage.
Amendments have already been submitted, meaning parts of the legislation could change before it completes the Commons, moves through the House of Lords and potentially receives Royal Assent. UK Parliament Bills
What happens next?