UK may seize jewellery from migrants to cover accommodation costs — FT

The UK government is considering plans to confiscate jewellery and other valuables from illegal migrants to help pay for their accommodation, Financial Times reported, citing a Home Office source.

The official said the idea is to ensure that “people with means contribute to the cost of their stay.”

Deputy Home Secretary Alex Norris told Sky News that items such as wedding rings would not be targeted and that jewellery would not be confiscated at the border.

“If someone arrives with a suitcase full of gold rings, that’s a different situation from family heirlooms,” Norris said.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce a significant tightening of rules applied to illegal migrants amid rising numbers and growing pressure on taxpayers.