Failed asylum seeker families and illegal immigrants will be offered taxpayer-funded golden goodbyes of up to £40,000 to leave Britain under a controversial pilot scheme.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled the payout as part of her migration crackdown.
But critics branded it a “kick in the teeth” for taxpayers.
It comes as latest figures show 2,688 migrants in 42 boats have made the Channel crossing so far this year.
A group was brought into the Port of Ramsgate yesterday by a Border Force vessel, taking the total so far this month to 479 in seven boats.
Under the new plans, about 150 families whose asylum claims have already been rejected will be offered £10,000 a person — capped at £40,000 — if they agree to leave voluntarily.
The offer will last just seven days and families who refuse the deal will not be able to claim the money later.
Those accepting will also be given flights home, while the cash is expected to be issued on prepaid debit cards once they have left the country.
Those who turn it down could face detention and forced removal from Britain, including their children.
Ministers say the payouts would still save taxpayers money, with housing migrants in asylum accommodation costing about £158,000 a year for a family of three.
THE SUN SAYS ‘Bribing’ asylum seekers to leave is waste of money & not way to solve crisis
BLAST ORDERS How pub where Ronnie Kray killed rival still draws tourists 60 years on
Officials claim it could save up to £20million a year if it is expanded nationwide.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called it “an insult to the British taxpayer.” He added: “Offering £40,000 to failed asylum seekers to leave the country will only reward and incentivise illegal immigration.”
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said: “It is a kick in the teeth for hardworking British taxpayers.”
Similar payments were used by previous Tory governments, while Reform UK has also proposed financial incentives.
The pilot is part of a wider crackdown. Refugee status will be cut from five years to two and a half. Asylum support will become discretionary.
Advertisement
But Labour MP Tony Vaughan is said to have the backing of 100 colleagues opposing parts of it, raising the prospect of a rebellion.
Defending her reforms, Ms Mahmood said Britain must “restore order and control” to the asylum system.
About the Author
