Pakistan, July 1 -- Asylum seekers will be made to pay up to £10,000 towards the cost of their accommodation and support once they start earning, Shabana Mahmood has announced.

They must pay off the full amount before they can be eligible for settled status under the plans.

Eligible adults will likely pay off an amount each month above a set threshold - similar to a student loan.

Migrants need settled status, or indefinite leave to remain, to be able to permanently live, work, and study in the UK.

The Government said it spent £4 billion on accommodation and support for asylum seekers last year, and the Home Office estimates the average cost per person per night of accommodating asylum seekers is £23.25 in dispersal acco...