The UK government tabled two amendments to the Immigration and Asylum Bill this week, targeting migrants who use human rights law and last-minute claims to delay or block deportation from Britain. The bill will enter the line-by-line scrutiny stage of its passage through Parliament next week.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood framed the package as a response to migrants who "misrepresent their family circumstances" or lodge last-minute claims to frustrate removals. The amendments form part of a wider package of reforms the government says will restore integrity to the immigration system.

What do the two amendments change?

The first amendment tightens how courts assess family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Judges must now weigh how long and how often a parent has been in contact with their child when deciding whether family life exists.

The bill already defines "family life" as typically restricted to core, co-habiting family relationships. The new wording closes a route where migrants return to the family home shortly before claiming asylum, then cite the renewed contact to strengthen their case.

The second amendment lets decision-makers treat last-minute claims without good reason as a credibility problem. Officials must factor in the timing of evidence when assessing claims. The change supports an expedited decision-making process for late claims already in the bill, addressing what the government calls the practice of individuals withholding information or raising a last-minute claim that severely delays legitimate removal.

What did the Home Secretary say?

Mahmood said: "The British public must trust that their immigration system is secure, controlled and not open to abuse. These reforms will protect its integrity, prevent exploitation and ensure that those with no right to be here are swiftly removed. This builds on our work to ramp up removals and slash asylum costs, while providing sanctuary to those who need it."

How will the appeals system change?

The bill creates an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority (IIAA) to run a swift and fair appeals system that restores public confidence. The IIAA can scale to meet changing demand and move unsuccessful cases quickly to removal. A single appeal route removes the advantage of bringing forward new claims to frustrate the system.

The bill also merges refugee status and humanitarian protection into one protection claim. The single definition simplifies decision-making and the appeals process for both officials and claimants.

Will asylum seekers pay for accommodation?

Yes. Asylum seekers receiving taxpayer-funded accommodation and other support will have to contribute to those costs when they are financially able. Payments will take the form of a flat-rate charge. Eligible adults will make regular payments above a threshold the Home Secretary sets.

Where does the bill stand?

The Immigration and Asylum Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons in July with a 174-vote majority. The two new amendments tabled this week will be debated during line-by-line scrutiny starting next week.