BLACK and ethnic minority trade unionists have condemned the government over proposed reforms to the asylum system that could leave those seeking refuge in limbo.

Delegates at the TUC Black Workers conference in Bournemouth passed motions on migrations and the far-right on Saturday.

The conference heard that the measures proposed by the government will “create an underclass of people, mostly from racialised communities who will be stripped of their dignity and ability to integrate and thrive.”

Abi Aromokun, of Aslef, said that the proposed reforms risk “severely” limiting access to protection for those fleeing conflict, persecution and terror, by introducing stricter eligibility criteria and increasing administrative barriers.

“The proposed policy also risks fostering an environment of mistrust within our communities, feeding into the dangerous far-right agenda,” she said.

“By turning our backs on those in need, we send a message that compassion and justice are negotiable rather than core principles guiding our actions.

“We urge the government to reconsider these reforms and to remember that the strength of our society lies in our willingness to offer protection and hope to those who need it most.”

Shoaib Malik, from the RMT, said that the asylum system is “the front line in the fight for racial justice.”

“The majority of people seeking safety in the UK come from countries scarred by colonialism, conflict, exploitation and the brutal recent wars that have torn families apart,” he said.

“This is not abstract. It is personal. It is about whether Britain will treat black and brown people with dignity or continue a hostile environment that punishes the desperate.”

The government’s asylum reforms include reducing initial refugee leave to just 30 months from five years and increasing the default time to settle in the UK for refugees from five to 20 years.

Mr Malik said that the proposed measures are “broken by design” and do not fix backlogs or address the root causes of displacement, but create fear, instability, poverty and exploitation.

“They trap people in limbo, while fuelling division. This is racialised cruelty,” he said.

“It pits worker against worker, when our strength has always been solidarity. As trade unionists, we know the truth. Refugees fleeing war and persecution are not the cause of our crisis.

“Many are skilled workers, carers and future trade unionists. Denying them rights undermines us all.”

Mr Malik called for “real reform rooted in humanity and justice,” providing safe and legal routes and the right to work from day one.