The British government has set out a significant overhaul of its immigration settlement policy, introducing a new "earned settlement model" that will extend the waiting period for permanent residency for most foreign workers. The changes, announced on Monday by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, are designed to shift the emphasis from time spent in the country to contributions made.
Under the new rules, the qualifying period for "indefinite leave to remain" (ILR) — which grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely — will double from five to ten years for the majority of work visa holders. However, the government has carved out exceptions for high earners and certain public sector professionals.
Those earning more than £50,271 (approximately €60,200) will be eligible to settle after just three years, while workers in roles such as doctors, nurses, and teachers can apply after five years. The announcement follows a consultation that drew over 200,000 responses, with the government noting that while there were concerns about "fairness, complexity and the effect on people already in the UK," there was also "support for a system that better recognises contribution, integration and compliance."
Care workers exempted after backlash
In a notable concession, Mahmood confirmed that care workers will be exempt from the extended timeline, following criticism from trade unions and some Labour Party figures. "Those who earn £25,000 (roughly €29,900) a year working in the social sector care, which was the condition of their visa, will therefore be able to settle on their existing five-year pathway," she told parliament. She added that the revised policy recognised the service of those who had "worked hard and answered our call when we needed them."
The government's guiding principle, as stated in its announcement, is that "settlement should be earned rather than granted on the basis of time alone." This marks a clear departure from the previous approach, which was largely based on length of residence.
Under the new framework, individuals found to have breached immigration rules will face a 20-year wait before they can apply for settlement. Those who arrived via small boats or other clandestine means will face an additional ten-year waiting period, meaning they could wait up to 30 years for settlement. The government emphasised that people who already hold settled status will not be affected by the changes.
The new rules are scheduled to come into effect next year, and they are expected to have a significant impact on the UK's migrant workforce, which has become increasingly important in sectors like health and social care.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in a statement, said the country had "lost control of immigration" following the divisive Brexit vote to leave the European Union. "This Home Secretary is gripping this problem, and she has my full support in doing so," he added. The comments come amid mounting pressure from the right, including Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, which has made immigration a central campaign issue.
The policy shift is part of a broader European debate on migration and integration. While the UK is no longer an EU member, its approach to settlement and border control continues to resonate across the continent, particularly as the EU debates stricter membership rules and as countries like Serbia signal a rapprochement with Brussels. The UK's move also echoes discussions in other European capitals about how to balance labour needs with public concerns over immigration.
Critics argue that the longer waits could deter skilled workers from choosing the UK, at a time when many European countries are competing for talent. However, the government insists that the new model will reward those who contribute most to the economy and society.
As the UK prepares to implement these changes, the debate over immigration is likely to intensify, with the government seeking to demonstrate control while addressing labour shortages in key sectors. The coming months will reveal how the policy is received by employers, workers, and the wider public.
