Home Secretary Expected to Announce Revised Immigration Rules
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce her final decision on immigration rules for legal migrants next week, following a consultation that drew 200,000 responses. The proposed changes, which were initially met with opposition from within the government, are expected to be revised for social care workers already in the UK.
The original proposals, which would have extended the wait for permanent settlement from five to 10 years for most migrants, with some lower-paid workers facing a 15-year wait, have been watered down. The BBC understands that social care workers will likely be exempt from the longer wait, while most other workers will still have to live and work in the UK for 10 years before being eligible for permanent settlement. However, this can be reduced if they contribute to their local communities or have higher incomes.
The government's decision to revise the proposals comes after criticism from within the Conservative party, with Housing Secretary Angela Rayner describing the original plans as "un-British". The Home Office has declined to comment on the final decisions until they are presented to Parliament next week.
The changes are expected to impact the lives of thousands of migrants who are currently working in the UK and seeking permanent residency. Permanent residence, or indefinite leave to remain, gives individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK for as long as they like and apply for benefits if eligible.
