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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jessica Coates

Government tightens rules on asylum seekers using taxis

  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a ban on asylum seekers using taxis for most medical journeys in the UK.
  • Taxi use for medical travel will now be restricted to exceptional, evidence-based cases, such as physical disability, pregnancy, or serious illness, requiring direct Home Office approval.
  • This policy change follows a BBC investigation into "widespread" taxi use and aims to save taxpayer money by introducing alternatives like public transport.
  • All service providers are mandated to cease using taxis for these medical journeys from February.
  • The measure is part of a broader overhaul of the asylum system, which includes making refugee status temporary and increasing payments for voluntary returns.

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