So far, 32 asylum seekers have received payouts totalling £210,800 - the equivalent of £6,587.50 each. The legal battle stems from a judicial review launched in November 2020 by three asylum seekers, identified only as HM, MA and KH. In January 2022, the case came before the High Court, with judgment handed down two months later. Join the debate Should taxpayers have to pay compensation to migrants after unlawful phone seizures by the Home Office? In response to the controversy, ministers have since passed legislation making it lawful to seize migrants' phones and electronic devices.

Source: Daily Mail February 16, 2026 02:02 UTC