New Immigration Rules for Illegal Immigrants in 2026

Author

Dr Bernard Andonian

Dr Bernard Andonian is a highly respected immigration, nationality and human rights lawyer, former Immigration Judge, and recognised expert known for his longstanding experience, academic achievements and contribution to landmark legal decisions.

Contact Dr Bernard Andonian View full profile

Last reviewed on 3 March 2026

This article was last updated on March 30th, 2025

Table of Contents

What Can You Do If You Are Living in the UK Illegally?

If you’re in the UK without legal status whether you entered illegally or overstayed your visa—you’re likely under a lot of stress. You might be worried about detention, removal, or whether you’ll ever be able to stay here legally.

The good news? There are still legal options available. But acting early and making informed choices is crucial.

In this article, our immigration expert, Dr Bernard Andonian, shares clear steps you can take if you’re currently in the UK without legal status whether you’ve overstayed your visa or entered the country without permission.

If you’re unsure about your situation or need tailored advice, contact our legal team today for a confidential consultation.

Key Takeaways

Get Legal Advice ASAP: The first step should be to consult with an immigration solicitor or adviser. This move is safe and confidential, and it’ll help you understand the best course of action for your particular situation.
Explore Your Legal Options: Depending on your circumstances, you might have options like applying for leave to remain based on family or private life, or the 20-year long residence rule.
Stay Put While You Sort It Out: Leaving the UK during an unresolved legal process can complicate your ability to return, even if you later become eligible for a visa.
Document Your Life in the UK: Start gathering proof of your long-term residence here, like NHS records, school records, or utility bills. These documents can be crucial for your application.
Check for Fee Waivers: If the application fees are unaffordable, you might qualify for a fee waiver. You’ll need to provide evidence of financial hardship.
Be Aware of Policy Changes: Keep an eye on government policies as they can directly impact your situation. Staying informed can make all the difference.

Who Counts as an “Illegal Immigrant” or Someone “Without Status”?

People use different terms like undocumented, illegal immigrant, or overstayer but the legal meaning is important. If you’re in the UK without current permission to stay, you’re considered to be without immigration status.

This might apply if:

You entered the UK without a visa or permission.
Your visa expired and you didn’t apply to extend it.
You had a visa application refused but stayed anyway.
You’ve breached the conditions of your visa (such as working when not allowed).

If any of these apply, it’s important not to ignore the situation. The earlier you seek advice, the more options you’re likely to have.

What Happens To Illegal Immigrants in UK

llegal immigrants in the UK face risks of detention, deportation, or voluntary departure. Immigration officers can detain individuals found without legal status while assessing their case. If removed, they may face re-entry bans depending on their circumstances. Some may apply for asylum or discretionary leave to remain based on humanitarian grounds. Access to public services is restricted, and employment is illegal without the right visa.

Your Options If You’re in the UK Illegaly

You may feel stuck, but there are steps you can take today to begin sorting things out. Here’s what you need to focus on:

1. Get legal advice right away

Speaking to an immigration solicitor or qualified legal adviser is the best first step.

You won’t be reported to the Home Office just for seeking advice.
An expert can explain your options and help you make the right move.
They can guide you through an application if you’re eligible to apply.

Example: We recently helped a client who overstayed a family visa after their relationship broke down. With the right evidence, they were granted leave to remain based on their child’s best interests.

2. Explore your legal options

Even if you’ve been in the UK without status for years, you might still qualify to apply for lawful residence. Some options include:

Family life: If you have a British child or partner.
Private life: If you’ve been in the UK for several years and developed strong ties.
Long residence: If you’ve lived in the UK (with or without status) you can qualify for 20 years long residence.
Human rights or asylum routes: If returning to your home country would put you at risk.

You’ll need to provide detailed personal history and evidence to support your case, but many successful applications are made under these routes every year.

3. Do not leave the UK while your case is unresolved

Leaving the UK while you’re undocumented or after submitting an application can cause major issues.

In many cases, you won’t be allowed to return even if you later become eligible for a visa.
If you’re planning to apply or appeal a refusal, you should remain in the UK until a decision is made.

Speak to a immigration lawyer in London before making any decisions about travel.

4. Collect proof of your time in the UK

When applying under private life or long residence routes, you’ll need to show how long you’ve been living in the UK and how connected you are.

Start collecting:

NHS letters, GP records, or hospital appointments
School records for your children
Utility bills, council tax, or tenancy agreements
Letters from charities, support workers, or religious organisations

Even if your name isn’t on a tenancy agreement, other documents (like bank statements to the same address) may help.

5. Check if you’re eligible for a fee waiver

Visa application fees are high. If you can’t afford them, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver.

You’ll need to prove that paying the fee would leave you without essentials like food, housing, or medical care.
Fee waivers are only available for certain types of applications, like those based on human rights or private life.

Supporting documents are key bank statements, benefit letters, or letters from charities can all help prove your financial hardship.

Case Study: Gaining Leave to Remain After 20 Years in the UK

Khalid, originally from Pakistan, entered the UK in 2005 on a visit visa and remained after it expired. Over the next 20 years, he lived quietly in the UK without legal status. He worked cash-in-hand jobs, moved frequently, and avoided public services out of fear of detention or removal.

By 2025, Khalid had been in the UK for two full decades without ever leaving.

Challenges:

No formal immigration status since 2005
Limited documentation from his early years in the UK
Concern about being refused due to the length of overstay

What We Did: Our team helped Khalid apply for leave to remain under the 20-year long residence rule. We collected extensive evidence of his time in the UK like GP letters, statements from former landlords, employment records, and support letters from community members. We also addressed gaps in documentation with a clear written timeline and supporting testimony.

Outcome: Khalid was granted leave to remain for 30 months, with a pathway to settlement. He now has legal status, access to work, and the ability to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the future.

Key Point:
Even if you’ve been undocumented for a long time, the 20-year residence rule can offer a chance to regularise your status if you have the right legal support

The New Labour Government’s Migration Pledges for 2025

The Labour government announced a series of migration pledges aimed at addressing the UK’s most pressing immigration challenges in 2025. These included reducing net migration, tackling smuggling networks, clearing the asylum backlog, cutting reliance on overseas workers, and increasing removals.

While these policies set a clear direction, assessing their effectiveness was complex. Government data provided some insights, but external factors like global events and economic trends also played a major role.

Labour’s approach marks a shift from headline-grabbing schemes to more targeted enforcement.

The focus has moved to voluntary removals, expanding detention facilities, and creating new “return hubs” in the Western Balkans and other third countries. These return hubs will process rejected asylum seekers outside the UK.

There was also an increased emphasis on disrupting illegal entry routes, particularly small boat crossings, by dismantling smuggling networks rather than relying on mass deportation.

Key 2025 Policy Changes That May Affect You

The Labour government introduced several immigration policy changes this year. These changes may affect how people without legal status are treated—and how quickly action might be taken.

Here’s what you should know:

Labour has pledged to increase removals of people living in the UK unlawfully.
Controversial deportation schemes (like Rwanda) have been scrapped.
New “return hubs” in third countries are being developed to process rejected asylum seekers.
There’s more focus on voluntary return, but enforcement capacity is increasing.

Also read: How Many People Came to the UK In 2024?

Final Thoughts

If you’re living in the UK without legal status, you don’t need to navigate the system alone. The rules are complex, and the stakes are high but there are legal pathways that may apply to your situation.

Act early. Stay informed. And don’t take unnecessary risks.

At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we help individuals and families across the UK understand their options and take the right steps forward.

FAQs

What Are the New Rules for Asylum Seekers in UK 2025

Can I still apply for leave to remain if I overstayed my visa?

Yes, you can. Many people apply under the private life or family routes even after overstaying. You must explain your circumstances and show strong supporting evidence.

Will I be detained if I speak to a solicitor?

No. Legal advice is confidential. Solicitors and legal advisers are there to help you—not report you. Speaking to a professional is your safest first step.

What Happens If I Do Nothing?

Choosing to do nothing and hoping the system overlooks you is risky.

Without legal status, you cannot work legally, rent property, or access most benefits. You may also struggle to register with a GP, open a bank account, or enrol your children in school.

Eventually, you may be detained and removed. Worse, you could lose the chance to apply under routes that have strict residence requirements, like the 20-year long residence rule.

Taking no action now could cost you your future rights. The sooner you seek advice, the more options you may have.

Can I work if I’m undocumented?

Working without status is illegal and may affect your chances of regularising your stay. However, if you submit a valid application, you might be allowed to work in certain circumstances.

What happens if I report myself to the Home Office?

It depends. You may be offered voluntary return options, but reporting yourself can also trigger enforcement. Get legal advice before taking this step.

How can I prove I’ve lived in the UK for 20 years?

In 2025, the UK implemented stricter asylum policies under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. These include denying citizenship applications from individuals who entered the country illegally, regardless of how much time has passed. Additionally, the government plans to relocate rejected asylum seekers to “return hubs” in the western Balkans and other third-party countries.{“type”:”elementor”,”siteurl”:”https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/wp-json/”,”elements”:[{“id”:”9111b6b”,”elType”:”widget”,”isInner”:false,”isLocked”:false,”settings”:{“editor”:”<h2> </h2>In 2025, the UK implemented stricter asylum policies under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. These include denying citizenship applications from individuals who entered the country illegally, regardless of how much time has passed. Additionally, the government plans to relocate rejected asylum seekers to \”return hubs\” in the western Balkans and other third-party countries.<h2>Labour’s Plan to Lower Net Migration</h2>Net migration the number of people entering the UK minus those leaving—has been a major policy issue. The UK recorded a high of 764,000 in 2022, which dropped to 685,000 in 2023. Labour aims to reduce this further.<h3>What’s Driving the Decline?</h3><ul data-start=\”2036\” data-end=\”2326\”><li data-start=\”2036\” data-end=\”2155\”>International Students: A surge in student arrivals between 2021 and 2023 is now reversing as many return home.</li><li data-start=\”2156\” data-end=\”2326\”>Visa Restrictions: Policies from the previous government, such as banning dependants of certain visa holders and raising salary thresholds, are impacting numbers.</li></ul>Labour is retaining key restrictions, including:<ul data-start=\”2382\” data-end=\”2508\”><li data-start=\”2382\” data-end=\”2448\”>Increasing the skilled worker salary threshold to £38,700.</li><li data-start=\”2449\” data-end=\”2508\”>Freezing family visa thresholds pending further review.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3>While it’s easy to track net migration trends, attributing changes directly to government policy is tricky. Factors such as global events, economic conditions, and previous government policies often play a bigger role than short-term interventions.<h3>Key Insight</h3>A falling net migration number doesn’t necessarily reflect successful policy. The composition of migrants—students, workers, or asylum seekers—matters just as much as the headline figure.<h2>Cracking Down on Smuggling Networks</h2>Small boat crossings, a small proportion of overall migration, remain a politically charged issue. Labour’s approach shifts away from controversial schemes like the Rwanda plan, focusing instead on dismantling smuggling networks and negotiating returns agreements.<h3>What’s Happening Now?</h3><ul><li>Small boat arrivals peaked at 46,000 in 2022, falling by a third in 2023 due to fewer Albanian migrants.</li><li>The new Border Security Command will adopt \”counterterrorism-style\” powers to disrupt smuggling operations.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment:</h3>External factors such as weather, conditions in source countries, and smuggler tactics play a significant role in small boat arrivals, making it hard to assess government impact.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Reducing small boat crossings requires international collaboration and addressing root causes, not just enhanced enforcement.<h2>Clearing the Asylum Backlog</h2>The UK’s asylum backlog reached a staggering 134,000 cases by mid-2023 but has since declined to 86,000. Labour inherited this problem but faces a daunting task.<h3>Key Actions</h3><ul><li>Labour has scrapped provisions in the Illegal Migration Act that blocked applications from those entering without permission, enabling these cases to be processed.</li></ul><h3>Systemic Challenges</h3>Despite progress, bottlenecks remain. Appeals of negative decisions have surged, leading to a backlog in courts, with 27,000 cases pending in March 2024.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Clearing the asylum backlog requires streamlining not just initial decisions but also the appeals process, which is now straining under increased caseloads.<h2>Reducing Reliance on Overseas Workers</h2>Labour has pledged to reduce the UK’s dependence on overseas workers by improving domestic skills and training. In 2022 and 2023, health and care sectors drove much of the demand for foreign workers, with care workers being added to the shortage occupation list.<h3>Policy Measures</h3><ul><li>Labour is maintaining stricter thresholds for skilled worker visas.</li><li>Care worker visa applications are now under increased scrutiny, leading to a 49% drop in skilled worker visas issued in early 2024.</li></ul><h3>Graduate Visa Route</h3>The government has chosen to preserve this pathway, which allows international students to work in the UK for up to three years post-graduation. However, tighter restrictions on bringing family members have already caused a drop in student numbers.<h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3>Declines in visa issuance might reflect reduced demand rather than the success of skills initiatives. Similarly, tackling migrant exploitation, a Labour priority, is difficult to measure due to limited data on workplace abuses.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Reducing reliance on overseas workers requires more than visa restrictions—it demands robust domestic training programs and a closer integration of immigration and labour market policies.<h2> Increasing Returns</h2>Labour has set its sights on increasing the <a href=\”https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y87yp75ego\”>removal of individuals without legal status</a> in the UK, with a short-term target to achieve the highest returns rate since 2018.<h3>Current Situation</h3><ul><li>Returns have plummeted by 82% since 2010, though voluntary returns have started to recover.</li><li>Labour’s strategy includes expanding detention capacity and negotiating returns agreements with key countries.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3><ul><li>Voluntary returns, often more humane and cost-effective, are hard to measure due to their informal nature.</li><li>The lack of data on the size of the unauthorised population makes it difficult to evaluate the success of returns policies.</li></ul><h3>Key Insight</h3>A higher returns rate is not necessarily a marker of success. The focus should be on sustainable and humane solutions, such as voluntary repatriation programs.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>Labour’s migration pledges signal a more structured and targeted approach to immigration. However, achieving meaningful progress requires tackling systemic inefficiencies, addressing international cooperation gaps, and investing in long-term solutions. While official data offers valuable insights, a nuanced approach that considers external factors and the human impact of policies is crucial.For individuals navigating the UK’s complex immigration landscape, staying informed and seeking expert advice is more important than ever. At <a href=\”https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/\”>Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors</a>, our <a href=\”https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/our-expertise/immigration/\”>distinguished immigration team</a> is here to provide clarity and guidance tailored to your unique situation. 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implemented stricter asylum policies under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. These include denying citizenship applications from individuals who entered the country illegally, regardless of how much time has passed. Additionally, the government plans to relocate rejected asylum seekers to \”return hubs\” in the western Balkans and other third-party countries.<h2>Labour’s Plan to Lower Net Migration</h2>Net migration the number of people entering the UK minus those leaving—has been a major policy issue. The UK recorded a high of 764,000 in 2022, which dropped to 685,000 in 2023. Labour aims to reduce this further.<h3>What’s Driving the Decline?</h3><ul data-start=\”2036\” data-end=\”2326\”><li data-start=\”2036\” data-end=\”2155\”>International Students: A surge in student arrivals between 2021 and 2023 is now reversing as many return home.</li><li data-start=\”2156\” data-end=\”2326\”>Visa Restrictions: Policies from the previous government, such as banning dependants of certain visa holders and raising salary thresholds, are impacting numbers.</li></ul>Labour is retaining key restrictions, including:<ul data-start=\”2382\” data-end=\”2508\”><li data-start=\”2382\” data-end=\”2448\”>Increasing the skilled worker salary threshold to £38,700.</li><li data-start=\”2449\” data-end=\”2508\”>Freezing family visa thresholds pending further review.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3>While it’s easy to track net migration trends, attributing changes directly to government policy is tricky. Factors such as global events, economic conditions, and previous government policies often play a bigger role than short-term interventions.<h3>Key Insight</h3>A falling net migration number doesn’t necessarily reflect successful policy. The composition of migrants—students, workers, or asylum seekers—matters just as much as the headline figure.<h2>Cracking Down on Smuggling Networks</h2>Small boat crossings, a small proportion of overall migration, remain a politically charged issue. Labour’s approach shifts away from controversial schemes like the Rwanda plan, focusing instead on dismantling smuggling networks and negotiating returns agreements.<h3>What’s Happening Now?</h3><ul><li>Small boat arrivals peaked at 46,000 in 2022, falling by a third in 2023 due to fewer Albanian migrants.</li><li>The new Border Security Command will adopt \”counterterrorism-style\” powers to disrupt smuggling operations.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment:</h3>External factors such as weather, conditions in source countries, and smuggler tactics play a significant role in small boat arrivals, making it hard to assess government impact.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Reducing small boat crossings requires international collaboration and addressing root causes, not just enhanced enforcement.<h2>Clearing the Asylum Backlog</h2>The UK’s asylum backlog reached a staggering 134,000 cases by mid-2023 but has since declined to 86,000. Labour inherited this problem but faces a daunting task.<h3>Key Actions</h3><ul><li>Labour has scrapped provisions in the Illegal Migration Act that blocked applications from those entering without permission, enabling these cases to be processed.</li></ul><h3>Systemic Challenges</h3>Despite progress, bottlenecks remain. Appeals of negative decisions have surged, leading to a backlog in courts, with 27,000 cases pending in March 2024.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Clearing the asylum backlog requires streamlining not just initial decisions but also the appeals process, which is now straining under increased caseloads.<h2>Reducing Reliance on Overseas Workers</h2>Labour has pledged to reduce the UK’s dependence on overseas workers by improving domestic skills and training. In 2022 and 2023, health and care sectors drove much of the demand for foreign workers, with care workers being added to the shortage occupation list.<h3>Policy Measures</h3><ul><li>Labour is maintaining stricter thresholds for skilled worker visas.</li><li>Care worker visa applications are now under increased scrutiny, leading to a 49% drop in skilled worker visas issued in early 2024.</li></ul><h3>Graduate Visa Route</h3>The government has chosen to preserve this pathway, which allows international students to work in the UK for up to three years post-graduation. However, tighter restrictions on bringing family members have already caused a drop in student numbers.<h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3>Declines in visa issuance might reflect reduced demand rather than the success of skills initiatives. Similarly, tackling migrant exploitation, a Labour priority, is difficult to measure due to limited data on workplace abuses.<h3>Key Insight</h3>Reducing reliance on overseas workers requires more than visa restrictions—it demands robust domestic training programs and a closer integration of immigration and labour market policies.<h2> Increasing Returns</h2>Labour has set its sights on increasing the <a href=\”https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y87yp75ego\”>removal of individuals without legal status</a> in the UK, with a short-term target to achieve the highest returns rate since 2018.<h3>Current Situation</h3><ul><li>Returns have plummeted by 82% since 2010, though voluntary returns have started to recover.</li><li>Labour’s strategy includes expanding detention capacity and negotiating returns agreements with key countries.</li></ul><h3>Challenges in Assessment</h3><ul><li>Voluntary returns, often more humane and cost-effective, are hard to measure due to their informal nature.</li><li>The lack of data on the size of the unauthorised population makes it difficult to evaluate the success of returns policies.</li></ul><h3>Key Insight</h3>A higher returns rate is not necessarily a marker of success. The focus should be on sustainable and humane solutions, such as voluntary repatriation programs.<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>Labour’s migration pledges signal a more structured and targeted approach to immigration. However, achieving meaningful progress requires tackling systemic inefficiencies, addressing international cooperation gaps, and investing in long-term solutions. While official data offers valuable insights, a nuanced approach that considers external factors and the human impact of policies is crucial.For individuals navigating the UK’s complex immigration landscape, staying informed and seeking expert advice is more important than ever. At <a href=\”https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/\”>Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors</a>, our <a href=\”https://www.gulbenkian.co.uk/our-expertise/immigration/\”>distinguished immigration team</a> is here to provide clarity and guidance tailored to your unique situation. 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“,”_border_hover_transition”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_switch”:””,”_mask_shape”:”circle”,”_mask_image”:{“url”:””,”id”:””,”size”:””},”_mask_notice”:””,”_mask_size”:”contain”,”_mask_size_tablet”:””,”_mask_size_mobile”:””,”_mask_size_scale”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:100,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_size_scale_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_size_scale_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position”:”center center”,”_mask_position_tablet”:””,”_mask_position_mobile”:””,”_mask_position_x”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_x_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_x_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y”:{“unit”:”%”,”size”:0,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y_tablet”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_position_y_mobile”:{“unit”:”px”,”size”:””,”sizes”:[]},”_mask_repeat”:”no-repeat”,”_mask_repeat_tablet”:””,”_mask_repeat_mobile”:””,”hide_desktop”:””,”hide_tablet”:””,”hide_mobile”:””,”_attributes”:””,”custom_css”:””},”defaultEditSettings”:{“defaultEditRoute”:”content”},”elements”:[],”widgetType”:”text-editor”,”htmlCache”:””,”editSettings”:{“defaultEditRoute”:”content”,”panel”:{“activeTab”:”content”,”activeSection”:”section_editor”}}}]}Use documents such as medical records, school reports, tenancy letters, or anything that shows your presence here. Consistent proof over a long period is key.

Can I Access Healthcare if I’m Undocumented in the UK?

Yes, but access is limited.

You can receive emergency treatment in NHS A&E departments for free, and you are entitled to care for infectious diseases, mental health emergencies, and maternity care.

However, you may be charged for non-urgent hospital treatment unless you are receiving support from social services or applying for asylum.

If you’re undocumented and have a serious health issue, speak to a legal adviser—you may have grounds to apply for leave to remain based on medical or humanitarian reasons.

Ask our Expert Legal Team

At Gulbenkian Andonian, we pride ourselves on “Excellence, Experience and Efficiency”. With over 35 years of experience on your side, our team of London based lawyers and solicitors have a wealth of experience advising individuals, families and businesses of all sizes to find clarity on UK law.

Call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below. We usually reply within a few hours.

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Dr Bernard Andonian( Immigration Solicitor )

Dr Bernard Andonian is the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and a leading authority in UK immigration, human rights, family and civil litigation law. With over 40 years of experience, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom expertise. A former Judge and a recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London, Dr Andonian has served on the Law Society’s Immigration Law Panel, where he played a key role in shaping national legal standards. His name is featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, recognising his consistent excellence and influence in the field. Known for his practical approach and deep understanding of immigration law, he is frequently consulted for commentary on policy changes and legal reform.