Asylum Seekers Banned from Taking Taxis to Medical Appointments: What This Means for You

The UK government has announced significant changes affecting asylum seekers’ access to medical care. From February 2026, asylum seekers will no longer be able to use taxis funded by the Home Office to attend medical appointments. This decision comes after revelations that the department spends approximately £15.8 million annually on taxi services for asylum seekers.

If you’re currently seeking asylum in the UK or supporting someone who is, understanding these changes is absolutely vital. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new transport restrictions, your rights, and how to get help when you need it most.

What’s Changed? The New Taxi Ban for Asylum Seekers Explained

The taxi ban represents a major shift in how asylum seekers will access healthcare services. Previously, UKVI contractors would arrange taxis for medical appointments when asylum seekers needed to travel beyond their weekly allocated bus journey. These arrangements often covered urgent hospital visits, GP appointments, and ongoing treatment sessions.

Under the new policy, asylum seekers must use alternative transport such as buses, regardless of how urgent their medical needs might be. The only exceptions will be “strictly limited to exceptional, evidenced cases” that require specific Home Office approval.

Why Has the Home Office Introduced This Policy?

The government’s decision follows a BBC investigation that uncovered instances of extremely long taxi journeys at significant cost to taxpayers. One case involved a 250-mile taxi ride costing £600 for a single GP visit. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the policy aims to end what she described as “unrestricted use of taxis” and address wasteful spending inherited from previous Conservative contracts.

However, refugee support organisations argue the high costs stem from poor contract management and profiteering by private contractors rather than exploitation by asylum seekers themselves. The Refugee Council highlighted that subcontractors have charged the Home Office around £1,000 daily for just 15 short drop-offs between accommodation and medical facilities.

When Does the Taxi Ban Come Into Effect?

The new restrictions will be implemented from February 2026. Asylum seekers currently using taxi services for medical appointments should begin planning alternative arrangements immediately and seek advice from immigration solicitors in Manchester or other legal professionals about their specific circumstances.

How Will Asylum Seekers Access Medical Appointments Now?

The changes create serious practical challenges for people already dealing with the stress of seeking refuge. Understanding your options is the first step towards maintaining access to essential healthcare.

Alternative Transport Options Available

Currently, asylum seekers receive entitlement to one return bus journey per week. Beyond this single trip, they must either walk or find other means of getting to appointments. This presents obvious difficulties when:

• Medical facilities are located far from asylum accommodation
• Multiple appointments are needed in the same week
• The person has mobility issues or health conditions that make long walks impossible
• Children need to accompany parents to appointments

Campaign groups including Citizens UK have spent years pushing for free bus passes that would give asylum seekers unlimited access to public transport. A pilot scheme launched in Oxford during November 2024 has shown promise, and Scotland has committed to providing free bus travel for asylum seekers by 2026. However, the UK government has so far rejected nationwide implementation of such schemes.

Exceptional Circumstances Where Taxis May Still Be Allowed

The Home Office has confirmed that taxis will remain available in very limited situations. These must be approved in advance and include:

• Physical disabilities that prevent use of public transport
• Serious or chronic illnesses requiring immediate medical attention
• Pregnancy-related medical needs
• Other exceptional circumstances with appropriate evidence

Who Qualifies for Emergency Transport?

The exact threshold for what constitutes an “exceptional case” remains unclear. The Refugee Council has expressed concern that without consistent definitions across the Home Office, many vulnerable people who genuinely need transport assistance may be refused.

If you believe you qualify for exceptional transport arrangements, you should:

• Document your medical condition thoroughly with letters from your GP or specialist
• Submit requests to the Home Office as early as possible
• Keep copies of all correspondence
• Seek advice from legal professionals if your request is denied

Medical Conditions That May Warrant Taxi Use

While the government hasn’t published a comprehensive list, conditions that may qualify include:

• Active cancer treatment requiring regular chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Severe mobility impairments
• Advanced pregnancy with complications
• Mental health crises requiring urgent psychiatric care
• Conditions requiring specialist equipment that can’t be transported on buses

The Reality of Healthcare Access for Asylum Seekers

The NHS provides medical care to asylum seekers, but accessing this care has always presented challenges. The new transport restrictions add another barrier to an already difficult situation.

Challenges Facing Asylum Seekers Under the New Rules

Many asylum seekers live in accommodation far from medical facilities. The dispersal system used by the Home Office often moves people to different areas with little notice, sometimes while they’re receiving ongoing treatment. This can mean:

• Being relocated hundreds of miles from specialists who know their case
• Missing crucial appointments during transitions
• Starting treatment processes from scratch with new healthcare providers
• Difficulty maintaining continuity of care for chronic conditions

The single weekly bus journey allocation simply doesn’t cover the reality of healthcare needs. Someone undergoing regular physiotherapy, attending mental health counselling, and needing GP check-ups faces an impossible choice about which appointments to attend.

What Are Your Rights as an Asylum Seeker?

Understanding your entitlements helps you advocate for yourself effectively when dealing with the Home Office and healthcare providers.

Understanding Your Healthcare Entitlements

As an asylum seeker in the UK, you have the right to:

• Register with a GP and receive primary care services
• Access emergency NHS treatment
• Receive maternity care
• Get treatment for certain infectious diseases
• Access mental health services

These rights exist regardless of the transport restrictions. The challenge lies in physically getting to appointments to exercise these rights.

Free Bus Travel Initiatives and Pilot Schemes

Several regions have recognised that transport access is fundamental to asylum seekers’ wellbeing and integration.

Scotland’s Free Bus Travel Commitment

Scotland has committed to providing free bus travel for asylum seekers by 2026. This progressive policy acknowledges that mobility is essential not just for healthcare, but for:

• Taking children to school
• Attending English language classes
• Accessing volunteering opportunities
• Participating in community life
• Maintaining mental health through social connections

Oxford Pilot Scheme Success

The Oxford pilot scheme, launched in November 2024 by Citizens UK, has demonstrated the practical benefits of providing unrestricted bus access. Early results suggest that when asylum seekers can travel freely, they’re more likely to:

• Attend all scheduled medical appointments
• Engage with support services
• Take up educational opportunities
• Contribute to their communities through volunteering

The scheme’s success raises questions about why similar programmes haven’t been rolled out nationally, especially when the alternative (taxi provision) costs significantly more.

How Immigration Solicitors Can Help You

Legal support makes a genuine difference when dealing with complex immigration matters and ensuring your rights are protected.

Legal Support for Asylum Seekers in Manchester

Professional UK Visas & Immigration Services can help you understand how policy changes affect your specific situation. An experienced solicitor can:

• Advise on your eligibility for exceptional transport circumstances
• Help you gather appropriate medical evidence
• Draft compelling applications for emergency taxi provision
• Challenge unfair decisions through proper legal channels
• Guide you through the asylum process more broadly

When you’re already dealing with the trauma that led you to seek asylum, having someone in your corner who understands the system can reduce stress and improve outcomes.

Challenging Unfair Transport Decisions

If the Home Office refuses your request for taxi provision in circumstances where you clearly need it, you have the right to challenge that decision. This process typically involves:

• Requesting a review of the decision with additional evidence
• Submitting a formal complaint if the review is unsuccessful
• Considering judicial review in cases of clear unfairness or legal error

Legal professionals experienced in immigration law understand how to present your case effectively and what evidence carries weight with decision-makers.

You might also benefit from guidance on related matters such as ILR applications, family reunion cases, or understanding requirements like the Life in the UK test that you’ll eventually need to complete.

Related Immigration Support Services

Whether you need help with asylum applications, visa extensions, or understanding your rights in the UK, professional legal guidance provides clarity and confidence. You may also want to explore:

• Spouse visa applications for family reunification
• Tier 2 work visas once you receive permission to work
• Student visa guidance for educational opportunities
• British citizenship applications when you’re eligible
• EEA family permits for qualifying relatives
• Family visa services for bringing loved ones to the UK
• Visit visa assistance for temporary family visits

Get Expert Immigration Advice Today

The asylum system continues to become more complex, with new restrictions and policies affecting your rights and access to essential services. Don’t face these challenges alone.

Our experienced team of immigration solicitors in Manchester understands the pressures you’re under and the importance of getting proper legal support. We can help you understand how the transport restrictions affect your situation, assist with challenging unfair decisions, and guide you through every stage of your asylum claim.

Contact our Manchester office today:

Call us on 0161 464 4140

Book your consultation online

We offer clear advice in plain English, competitive fees, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you need help with asylum applications, transport decision appeals, or broader immigration matters, we’re here to support you every step of the way.