Immigrants legally in the UK could have to wait up to 20 years before being able to settle permanently, under government proposals.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that the qualifying period for indefinite leave will be extended from five to ten years and will apply to the estimated 1.6 million who arrived since 2021.
The changes will not apply to people who had already obtained settlement.
Under the proposals, those who have applied for benefits for less than 12 months would have to wait 15 years, and those who have applied for benefits for more than 12 months would have to wait 20 years.
Mahmood said being part of the United Kingdom “is not a right but a privilege, and one that must be earned.”
For those who arrived on post-Brexit health and social care visas, the criteria will be increased to 15 years, with additional penalties for those who have applied for benefits.
Instead, ministers plan to introduce an “earned settlement” system, requiring migrants to demonstrate social integration, economic contribution and good “character” before they are granted permanent status.
The arrangement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allows someone to live in the UK permanently, work without restrictions and access public services. It is also a key step towards British citizenship.
A consultation on the planned changes will be held until February 12.
