Support could also be withdrawn from those who fail to comply
Shabana Mahmood is set to introduce tougher rules when it comes to migrants receiving benefits.
The Home Secretary is seeking approval for powers that would allow the government to bar certain migrants from receiving benefits if they commit crimes or lie about their status.
The plans mark a significant shift from previous obligations under EU law, which required the UK to provide support to asylum seekers who would otherwise be left without housing or financial assistance.
The proposed statutory instruments would revoke a 2005 requirement introduced to align with those rules.
Under the new framework, Mahmood would gain discretionary powers to deny support to asylum seekers who are deemed capable of supporting themselves.
This includes those who have been waiting more than a year for a decision and have the right to work, as well as individuals who entered the UK on work or student visas with existing permission to earn.
Support could also be withdrawn from those who fail to comply with Home Office conditions.
This includes breaching removal orders or working illegally. Asylum seekers who commit criminal offences or refuse to relocate to more affordable accommodation may also be affected.
Downing Street confirmed that the Home Office and regulators are investigating allegations that some migrants have falsely claimed to be gay or victims of domestic abuse to strengthen their asylum applications.
A government spokesman said authorities would hold any lawyers, advisers or migrants involved in “shameful and completely unacceptable” abuse of the system to account.
The proposals follow a BBC investigation that reported some migrants were being coached to fabricate claims, including false accounts of sexual orientation or abuse, to improve their chances of remaining in the UK.
Responding to the findings, a spokesman for Keir Starmer said:
“Any attempt to misuse protections designed to protect genuine victims from the devastation of domestic abuse is shameful and completely unacceptable.
“The Home Secretary has been clear that those trying to defraud the British people to remain in the UK will have their application refused and find themselves on a one-way flight out of Britain.
“Where unethical and illegal practices are identified and evidence exists, legal practitioners will be referred to the police through the relevant regulatory body.”
The BBC investigation also exposed allegations that some law firms and advisers charged migrants thousands of pounds to support fraudulent claims.
Mahmood said those involved would be held accountable:
“Anyone abusing protections for people fleeing persecution over gender or sexual orientation is beyond contempt.”
The government said the measures would bring the UK closer in line with policies adopted in other European countries, including Denmark, Netherlands and France, where stricter rules on asylum support have already been introduced.
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