Asylum Seekers Banned From Taxis for Medical Appointments After Taxpayers Foot £15.8M Transport Bill

UK to prioritise public transport over taxis for asylum seekers after uncovering high taxpayer transport costs. (Credit: Dietmar Rabic/Wikimedia Commons)

The United Kingdom has announced a ban on the use of taxis by asylum seekers for most medical appointments, effective from February 2026.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that taxi journeys will be restricted to the most exceptional, evidence‑based circumstances. These include serious illness, pregnancy or physical disability, and will only be permitted with direct Home Office approval. 'I will continue to root out waste as we close every single asylum hotel,' she told the BBC.