Beverley Hughes

Home Office minister Beverley Hughes has defended tough new asylum laws which come into force today.

Requirements under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act now mean that refugees must claim asylum as soon as they enter the UK.

Those who fail to prove they have a legitimate link to Britain will be refused help with living costs and housing benefit.

"These new measures are part of a fundamental overhaul of our asylum and immigration system," said Hughes.

"They are fair and simple rules to make sure that help and support goes to those who really need it rather than people who are using the system to get money or stay in this country when they have no right to be here."

The government is determined to send a message to economic migrants that they would not be made welcome in Britain.

"There is a clear difference between economic migrants and those fleeing from persecution," said Hughes.

"We continue to be committed to offering a safe haven to those who are in fear of their lives and who come here for our protection - while at the same time opening up legitimate routes for economic migrants and doubling the number of work permits issued."

However, refugee organisations have attacked the new measures, which will mean that any asylum seeker who gives incomplete or false information on their application form will not be entitled to welfare support.