Britain extends settlement wait for most migrants from five to ten years

LONDON: British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out the final details of the “earned settlement” policy in a statement to the House of Commons. Under the new system, the waiting period for permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) will depend on a migrant’s income, character and contribution to the country.

Under the new rules, the period for most migrants has been raised from five years to ten. The highest earners will be able to apply within three years. The five-year route will remain for those earning more than £50,271. Workers in some public service sectors, such as doctors, nurses and teachers, will also be eligible after five years. Those who have broken immigration rules will be able to apply only after at least 20 years.

Applicants must speak English to a high standard and must have a clean criminal record. According to the government, an estimated more than 500,000 people will have to wait longer than five years.

A separate concession has been made for care workers. Those who have met their visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 a year will be able to apply for permanent residence after five years. Those who do not meet this standard, about a quarter of them, will receive a new five-year visa and will be able to apply once it is completed. A similar approach will apply to some public sector workers in Health and Education. According to the government, 1,800 employers have had their right to sponsor foreign workers withdrawn.

According to the Home Secretary, the changes will begin to be introduced through the immigration rules in December and will be implemented during 2027. The government also published its response to the consultation, which received 204,667 responses.