UK Migrants Bracing for Extended Wait Times: What You Need to Know About Permanent Settlement

New rules are changing the process for immigrants aiming to settle in the UK. Starting soon, people will need to live here for ten years before they can apply for permanent residency. This is double the five-year period that was previously in place.

The new rule will affect both new visa applicants and around 1.5 million foreign workers already in the country. This change has raised concerns among lawmakers about the impact on those who have already made their lives in the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper worries that the five-year application process was becoming too easy, leading to a surge in applications as immigration increased in recent years.

Key points from a recent government document indicate that non-UK dependents of British citizens will still qualify after five years. Additionally, there will be shorter paths to settlement for those who prove they have significantly contributed to the UK’s economy and society.

This announcement comes as part of a broader effort to curb legal migration. Recent statistics show net migration hit an all-time high of 906,000 in June 2023, following 728,000 the previous year. Labour MPs are also concerned about the uncertainty facing current residents, with some fearing for their settlement status. One MP shared that constituents are contemplating leaving the UK due to these changes.

Experts from the Migration Observatory note that a longer wait for settlement puts the UK on par with countries like Switzerland and Japan, making it one of the more restrictive places for residency. While this change may not drastically reduce the number of immigrants, it is expected to increase visa fee revenue for the Home Office, as temporary visa holders continue paying ongoing fees.

However, extending the qualifying period leaves migrants without the rights that permanent residency provides, like access to work, study, and benefits. Enny Choudhury, a co-legal director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, calls this move a “cruel betrayal,” emphasizing that many immigrants have built their lives here. He advocates for a fair system that offers clear, compassionate paths to permanent residency.

In light of these developments, the government plans to hold a public consultation to gather feedback and outline further details later this year. As these new rules take shape, the debate over immigration policy and its impact on individuals continues to heat up in public discussions and social media.



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