UK asylum seekers to be banned from taking taxis to medical appointments

UK Government Imposes Strict Taxi Ban on Asylum Seekers Over £15m Annual Bill

The Home Office has announced that asylum seekers will face strict new rules when it comes to taking taxis for medical appointments, with a ban on private journeys starting from February. The move is expected to save the government millions of pounds, but campaigners have expressed concerns over the impact on vulnerable individuals.

Currently, asylum seekers are entitled to one return bus journey per week, but the Home Office spends around £15.8 million annually on taxis for medical appointments alone. In an effort to crack down on waste and profiteering by private contractors, the government has introduced new rules that will limit taxi use to exceptional cases only.

From February, asylum seekers will be forced to rely on public transport, including buses, unless they meet specific criteria deemed "exceptional" by the Home Office. These criteria include individuals with physical disabilities, serious or chronic illnesses, or pregnancy-related needs.

Critics argue that the new rules could leave vulnerable individuals stranded and unable to access medical care, particularly in cases where transportation is essential for treatment such as chemotherapy. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, has warned that there is a risk the threshold for exceptional cases will be set too high, leaving those who need assistance without it.

"This policy change is symptomatic of an asylum system that allows private contractors to make vast profits at the expense of taxpayers," Solomon said. "The use of taxis is more a consequence of government incompetence and poor contract management than people in the asylum system exploiting it."

The move follows a broader crackdown on waste in asylum accommodation and transport contracts, which have already saved over £74 million in costs. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has vowed to root out waste and provide alternative accommodations for asylum seekers, including military sites.

However, campaigners remain concerned about the impact of the ban on vulnerable individuals, particularly those with severe disabilities or serious illnesses. Asylum seekers are often moved to different areas while undergoing treatment, leading to long journeys by taxi that can be costly and time-consuming.

The decision has also sparked controversy over the government's refusal to provide free public transport for asylum seekers, despite repeated calls from campaigners over the years. A pilot scheme for free bus travel was launched in Oxford last year, with Scotland planning to introduce similar measures in 2026.

For now, asylum seekers will be forced to rely on buses and public transport for medical appointments, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for vulnerable individuals and families.

I feel so bad about this new taxi ban . I'm not even sure how they expect people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to get around when public transport isn't an option. It's just not fair . And what about all the times you need to go back and forth for treatment? Like, if you're in chemo, do you really want to spend a whole day on a bus instead of getting your treatment done quickly? It's just gonna end up costing people their health .

I'm not sure if I agree that banning taxis for asylum seekers is the best solution... The Home Office has spent £15.8m annually on taxis and I can see how that's a lot of money, but it seems like they're just shifting the problem around instead of finding a more permanent fix.

It does seem cruel to leave people stranded without transportation for medical care, especially for those with chronic illnesses or disabilities. But at the same time, I think it is good that the government is trying to crack down on private contractors who might be taking advantage of asylum seekers.

Maybe instead of banning taxis altogether, they could introduce a more flexible system where asylum seekers can use them if they really need to? It's not like there aren't already costs associated with bus journeys for these people...

Ugh, this is so unfair ! They're basically gonna leave people stranded with no other option than public transport, which can be super unreliable especially when you've got serious health issues . I mean, come on, can't they just provide free public transport like some other countries do? It's not like it's gonna break the bank . And what about those who can't even walk or have severe disabilities? They'll be stuck on buses with no way to get anywhere . The government's all about saving money, but what about people's lives?

This is really worrying... I mean, £15m is a lot of money, but what's the point of saving that if it means people are gonna get stuck without a way to get to their meds on time? It's not just about asylum seekers, either - think about all the other ppl out there who might need help with transportation for appointments. Can't they just offer free public transport or something instead of making ppl choose between getting treatment and paying for a taxi?

lol what a joke they're gonna ban taxis on asylum seekers like its no big deal its not just about the money its about people lifes who cant even get bus to hospital on time lol how r they gonna make sure ppl with disabilities dont get stranded lol needs more pilot scheme in different areas before implementing this strict ban

The new taxi ban is gonna hit asylum seekers super hard They're already dealing with some tough stuff, like living in limbo while their cases are processed, so the last thing they need is to be stuck on a bus when all they wanna do is get to medical appointments. I think the government's just trying to save some cash, but what about people who really need that taxi ride? It's not fair to leave them stranded

omg i feel so bad for those asylum seekers they gotta use public transport now which is super inconvenient esp during chemo time or if u got a disability like, whats the point of saving £15m if its just gonna leave ppl stranded? and y not just provide free public transport like scotland's planning? it sounds like uk gov's just trying to cut costs again without thinkin bout the human impact i hope campaigners keep pushin for change

the UK gov is being super strict about this thing they're trying to save £15m but it's gonna affect so many ppl who are already in a tough spot i feel bad for the asylum seekers who can't access med care because of transportation costs, especially those with disabilities or chronic illnesses it's like the gov is taking away their basic human rights instead of finding ways to make things more affordable and what about ppl with severe disabilities who can't even take buses on their own? that's just not right

Ugh, great idea... so now they're going to leave people stranded on the side of the road just because they can't afford a taxi ride? Like, how's that even supposed to save money? And what's up with all these "exceptions" they're making? It sounds like they're just making it harder for people who actually need help. Pregnancy-related needs? That's just a nice way of saying "we don't want to pay for your taxi rides". And let's not forget the whole "government incompetence and poor contract management" thing...

omg like the gov is being super strict w/ asylum seekers now its so unfair they're gonna get banned from takin taxis 4 medical stuff and it's gonna affect ppl w physical disabilities or chronic illnesses big time they cant even access their meds on time cuz of public transport what if they have no other option? i dont think the gov is thinking about the impact this will have on ppl's health

I gotta say, this new taxi ban for asylum seekers is a total bummer . I mean, they're already dealing with some heavy stuff – being forced to leave their homes, going through the asylum process... now they're gonna have to navigate public transport instead of taking a taxi? It's just not right.

I can see why the government is trying to save money, but £15m annually is still a big chunk of change . And what about all the people who rely on taxis for medical appointments – especially those with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses? They're gonna be stuck on buses and public transport when they need to get to the hospital ASAP .

I'm not sure what's more concerning, though – the fact that asylum seekers are being forced to choose between getting medical treatment or using public transport . That's a tough spot for anyone to be in. The government needs to think about all these ppl and come up with better solutions

omg did u hear abt the uk gov imposing strict taxi ban on asylum seekers? like its gonna save them £15m but critics say its gonna leave ppl stranded esp those with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses i feel so bad for them tho they need taxis 4 medical appointments & chemo treatment cant believe the govt isnt providing free public transport 4 asylum seekers