Migrants in the UK face significant changes to their path to permanent settlement. Recently, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed extending the wait time for migrants to gain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten years. This change will affect around 1.6 million people who arrived since 2021.
Mahmood stated that becoming part of the UK is “not a right but a privilege” and should be earned. The new rules will not affect those who have already received settlement.
Under the proposed rules, the wait time could vary based on specific circumstances. Here’s how it breaks down:
– Those claiming benefits for less than 12 months will wait 15 years.
– Healthcare workers on post-Brexit visas will also wait 15 years, up from five.
– Migrants needing benefits for over 12 months could wait up to 20 years, the longest in Europe.
These changes come amid a surge in net migration, with the UK population increasing by 2.6 million between 2021 and 2024. The Home Office predicts that around 1.6 million people will seek settlement from 2026 to 2030.
Settlement provides the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions and serves as a step towards British citizenship. The government plans to introduce an “earned settlement” system, where migrants must show social integration, economic contribution, and a clean character before being granted ILR.
Potential applicants will face stricter requirements, including:
– Proving English language skills equivalent to A-level standards.
– Maintaining a clean criminal record.
– Earning over £12,570 annually for at least three years.
However, there will be faster routes for those who contribute significantly to the UK, like NHS doctors and nurses who can settle after five years. High earners and entrepreneurs may qualify for settlement in just three years.
Family members of applicants will not automatically receive status. Dependent children who arrive under 18 may settle with their parents, while older dependants might face separate requirements. Fast-track paths for those affected by domestic abuse or bereaved partners will still be available.
These proposals have sparked debate on platforms like Twitter, where many are discussing the balance between controlling migration and being fair to those who contribute positively to society.
For more on the impact of migration policies, the UK Parliament’s site offers comprehensive insights into ongoing discussions.
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