Manchester MP Afzal Khan has accused the Home Secretary of taxing asylum seekers as part of sweeping reforms to the asylum system
Asylum seekers will be forced to pay back their accommodation and other living costs once they start earning a salary, under plans to mirror the student loan repayment structure.
In a post on social media, the MP for Manchester Rusholme said that
“Essentially taxing asylum seekers for exercising their rights under int’l law is cruel, pushing vulnerable people further into a precarious economic position.
Asylum seekers could contribute by making it easier to work upon arrival – we shouldn’t punish people for fleeing war.
They will be charged a total flat rate of about £10,000 to be paid off in monthly installments. Repayments will begin when their income hits a certain threshold, which will be decided by the home secretary.
