Shabana Mahmood has unveiled significant changes to immigration regulations, marking the most extensive reform in half a century. The proposed adjustments prioritize high earners and public sector workers.
The Home Secretary asserts that the new policies aim to recognize individuals who positively impact the economy and adhere to regulations. One key aspect involves extending the period before migrants can apply for permanent residency to between 10 and 15 years, up from the current five years.
According to the proposal, a system of rewards and penalties will be implemented. Skilled public sector employees, entrepreneurs, and high-income earners will receive expedited processing, while others may face extended waiting periods before becoming eligible.
Under the revised regulations, individuals arriving by small boats or relying on benefits could face wait times of 20 to 30 years before being able to apply for settlement. Critics have expressed concerns that such prolonged waiting periods may subject asylum seekers fleeing conflict and persecution to decades of uncertainty and strain.
Emphasizing the importance of managing migration effectively, Ms. Mahmood highlighted the risk of fostering division and animosity if the issue is not addressed. She stressed the need to demonstrate that immigration can be successfully integrated into the fabric of modern Britain.
The updated rules will impact approximately two million individuals who arrived post-2021, excluding those already holding settled status. The Home Secretary emphasized that settlement in the UK should be viewed as a privilege earned through meeting specified criteria.
The government forecasts around 1.6 million people settling in the UK between 2026 and 2030, with a peak of 450,000 expected in 2028. To qualify for permanent settlement, migrants must meet requirements such as maintaining a clean criminal record, demonstrating English proficiency equivalent to A-levels, clearing any debts to the government, and paying National Insurance contributions for at least three years.
Individuals who have received benefits for a year or more may face a ten-year penalty before being eligible to apply under the new regulations. However, volunteering opportunities could potentially reduce the waiting period for applicants.
Ms. Mahmood affirmed that while migration remains integral to Britain, the recent influx of arrivals necessitates a revamped approach that prioritizes contribution, integration, and adherence to British values of fairness.
The government’s strategy involves fast-tracking skilled professionals like doctors, entrepreneurs, and high earners for permanent settlement within five years. Conversely, low-wage workers, including those on health and social care visas, could face a minimum 15-year waiting period.
Furthermore, migrants reliant on benefits might have to wait up to 20 years for settlement, a duration that exceeds European standards. The proposed measures may also link eligibility for benefits and social housing to obtaining British citizenship.
Special considerations will be in place for healthcare professionals in the NHS, allowing them to secure settlement after five years, while high earners and entrepreneurs could qualify after just three years.
The Home Office stated that these reforms aim to establish a fairer immigration system for UK residents while acknowledging the contributions made by migrants to the country’s economy and public services.
Immediate family members of UK citizens and Hong Kong BN(O)s will retain the existing five-year pathway to settlement.
In response to the proposals, Enver Solomon, chief executive of Refugee Council, expressed concerns that the extended waiting periods could exacerbate instability and stress for individuals seeking refuge, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives effectively.
He emphasized the importance of providing refugees with stability and certainty to facilitate their integration and contribution to society, rather than subjecting them to prolonged uncertainty and administrative hurdles.
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