Asylum seekers’ jewellery could be seized to pay for processing costs, says Home Office minister

Screengrab of Border Force officers processing the people detained under the UK's ‘one in, one out’ deal, at Manston, Kent. Photograph: Home Office/PA

Asylum seekers could have jewellery or other valuables taken to pay for the costs of processing their cases, a Home Office minister has said, in another detail of changes to migration policy likely to cause concern among Labour MPs.

Speaking to broadcasters before the formal announcement of sweeping changes to asylum policy on Monday, the Home Office minister Alex Norris said while this would not involve seizing wedding rings, jewellery without sentimental value could be taken.