People granted asylum in the UK face having to pay back around £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, under government plans.
The new measures, which are part of the Immigration and Asylum Bill, are aimed at recovering costs from all adults with sufficient funds.
Asylum seekers who have the right to work in the UK will have to pay the flat-rate fee before they are eligible to settle permanently.
Those whose claims have been rejected and leave the country will have to repay the costs before they can return to the UK.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes would demonstrate “asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility”.
She added: “Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so.”
The plans will mean migrants working and earning a specific amount will be required to pay back a flat-rate sum, which is expected to be set at £10,000.
The Home Office has not determined how much people would need to earn before making monthly instalments.
The home secretary would have the power to adjust the charge and the repayment thresholds in the future to ensure “they are both fair to the taxpayer and will not force any migrant into destitution”.