Immigration and Asylum Bill: Core protection
Published 8 October 2026
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Core protection
Core protection is a shift to a more, streamlined approach to refugee protection that meets the UK’s international obligations without going beyond them. Entitlements will be delivered through core protection and a new Protection Work and Study route.
We will never remove anyone to a country where they will be at risk of serious harm.
What are we doing?
Set out in the Restoring Order and Control statement in November 2025, these bill measures form part of a wider programme of reforms already underway to deliver the core protection model.
We are simplifying the UK’s protection system by introducing a single concept of protection. This will replace the current framework, which distinguishes between refugee status and humanitarian protection, with one unified form of protection for anyone who qualifies, whether because they meet the Refugee Convention criteria or would face serious harm if returned to their home country. This is a key first step in our move towards the core protection model.
If a person is not a refugee and not eligible for core protection and has no other basis to be in the UK, they will be subject to the standard removals process which will look to remove the individual as soon as is reasonably possible.
Why are we legislating?
The current system is more complex than it needs to be, with separate processes and decisions for different types of protection that often lead to the same outcomes. This creates unnecessary appeals, particularly appeals from those granted humanitarian protection but refused refugee status and slows down decision making.
The proposed legislation will simplify the system, reduce the volume of appeals, and make it easier for decision makers to process claims consistently and efficiently. It will also give the Home Office greater flexibility to manage entitlements in certain cases, such as for serious criminals who cannot be removed due to human rights obligations.
How will the bill achieve this?
The bill will replace the existing legal framework with a single protection decision and a single protection status. This means each claim will be assessed once, with one outcome, removing the need for separate decisions on asylum and humanitarian protection. It will also remove the right to bring ‘upgrade appeals’ and establish a clearer, simpler case-working process. In addition, the bill will introduce powers to vary entitlements in certain circumstances such as for serious criminals where the government may wish to grant leave with more restrictive conditions, allowing a more tailored approach where appropriate.
Key statistics
In the year ending June 2026, there were 37,003 grants of refugee status and 3,490 grants of Humanitarian Protection. Introducing a single form of protection will simplify asylum decision-making and clarify the entitlements afforded to those in need of protection. [footnote 1]