TWO Sudanese torture victims have launched the first legal challenge to Labour plans to halve refugees’ leave to remain from five years to 30 months.

The asylum-seekers argue Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s (pictured) proposals are indirectly discriminatory and would not act as a deterrent to what she dubbed “asylum shoppers.”

Ms Mahmood drew criticism from the UN’s refugee agency after claiming “genuine refugees” were among those who “shop” their way across the continent when she announced the plans in a policy paper in November.

The UNHCR warned they “would place additional administrative and costly burdens on the asylum system” while creating greater uncertainty for refugees and worsening integration and social cohesion.

Manini Menon, a solicitor at Duncan Lewis representing the claimants, who still suffer nightmares and flashbacks from the torture in their native country, said: “Our clients have initiated a legal challenge to the new policy to grant only temporary status to refugees, which is a cornerstone of her intended overhaul of the asylum system.

“The Home Secretary’s position is that her policy will deter small boat arrivals, and will ensure that only people who genuinely need protection will have leave as refugees in the UK. Our clients argue that the Home Secretary’s policy is flawed and discriminatory.

“The evidence from countries such as Denmark and Australia is clear: granting temporary status to refugees will exacerbate mental and physical ill-health, adversely affect social integration, and increase refugees’ risk of economic instability and of falling into poverty.”

Australia previously granted refugees temporary protection before deciding to replace it with permanent residency while reviews of refugee status in 2024 saw Denmark withdraw just 48 status grants and Norway 29.

Freedom from Torture’s asylum advocacy head Sile Reynolds warned the plans will “leave people living in constant fear of being sent back into the hands of their torturers” after 96 per cent of Sudanese asylum claims resulted in a grant of protection in 2025.

“It is beyond comprehension that the government is choosing to further complicate the asylum process, worsen delays and cause unnecessary harm to so many survivors of torture, including from Sudan,” she added.

“The impact on recovery will be devastating.”

Unison assistant general secretary Jon Richards said: “Condemning vulnerable people to constant insecurity and fear is at odds with principles the UK helped establish after the second world war.

“The reality of the new measures would be permanent limbo for refugees. Fearful they could be deported at any time.

“Ministers need to rethink these plans and make sure the UK remains committed to helping those fleeing persecution and war.”

The Home Office was contacted for comment.