The UK government is reportedly considering implementing measures to seize belongings from asylum seekers as part of a broader strategy to manage migration costs. Home Office minister Alex Norris highlighted that individuals arriving in the UK with high-value assets should be required to contribute to the costs associated with their asylum applications. This proposal has been linked to similar policies in other countries, such as Denmark and Switzerland, where certain assets are confiscated to help fund support services for asylum seekers. The policy is part of an effort to reduce the financial burden on the state and deter potential arrivals by making the process of seeking asylum more costly. Norris noted that sentimental items like heirlooms would be exempt, but assets such as jewelry and vehicles could be targeted. The Home Office has also announced plans to expedite asylum processing and increase detention capacity, which are part of a larger overhaul of immigration policy under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The move comes amid a significant increase in asylum applications, with government data showing over 111,000 claims filed in the first half of 2025, more than double the number reported in 2021. The government’s strategy includes measures to cut state spending on irregular arrivals, which have placed a growing strain on public resources. The proposal has also sparked discussions about the ethical implications of seizing personal belongings from vulnerable individuals. Critics argue that such measures may not effectively deter asylum seekers and could lead to additional hardships for those already facing difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, support for the anti-immigration Reform party has increased, with recent polling showing the party at 35% in the latest survey, indicating shifting public sentiment on immigration issues within the UK.