The UK home secretary has defended the government’s proposed immigration reforms, describing them as “fair” despite growing concern from Labour MPs about planned changes to permanent settlement rules.
Shabana Mahmood said the UK has seen an “unprecedented” rise in arrivals in recent years and that the government must respond. Ministers are proposing to double the standard time most migrant workers must wait before qualifying for permanent residence, increasing it from five years to 10 years.
However, around 40 Labour MPs have criticised the proposals, warning they could negatively affect migrants already living in the UK. Some MPs described the retrospective nature of the changes as “un-British” and said they risk moving the goalposts for people who had planned their future based on existing rules. Others warned the reforms could worsen skills shortages, particularly in the health and social care sector.
Permanent settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), allows a person to live and work in the UK without time limits and, if eligible, access certain public benefits. According to Home Office figures, net migration added around 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024. The department estimates that approximately 1.6 million people could become eligible for settlement between 2026 and 2030.
Under the proposed changes, the standard qualifying period for settlement would increase to 10 years. However, the government is also considering a flexible system where some migrants could qualify sooner or later depending on factors such as earnings, tax contributions, or reliance on public funds. Highly skilled workers or high earners could potentially reduce the qualifying period to as little as three years, while those accessing state support may face longer waits.
The consultation on the proposals runs until 12 February and includes questions about transitional arrangements for migrants already on a pathway to settlement. The changes would not apply to individuals who have already been granted settlement.
Speaking to MPs, Mahmood said settlement should be seen as a “privilege, not a right” and argued that five years is a relatively short time before gaining permanent status. She added that the UK should continue to attract highly skilled workers and talent from around the world.
Some MPs raised concerns about how the proposals could affect sectors that rely on migrant workers. For example, care workers – who are essential to the UK workforce but often not high earners – may face significantly longer settlement timelines. Questions were also raised about applicants who are eligible to apply for settlement now but may not be able to afford the application fee before new rules take effect. Mahmood said applications are assessed based on the rules in force at the time they are submitted, noting that this approach is not new.
During parliamentary debates, several Labour MPs repeated their criticism. Some argued that changing settlement rules for people already in the system undermines fairness and could damage the UK’s ability to attract workers. Others warned the reforms may intensify existing labour shortages.
The home secretary also acknowledged that she could not guarantee a reduction in small boat crossings across the English Channel within the next year, noting that new enforcement and legislative measures would take time to implement.
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LawSentis is a UK-regulated immigration and relocation firm providing expert guidance on settlement, work visas, and long-term immigration planning. As immigration rules continue to evolve, our team supports individuals, families, and businesses in understanding how policy changes may affect their route to settlement and in preparing strong applications under current and future rules.
New Source: BBC.Com