UK drops 15-year settlement wait for migrant care workers already in country

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has dropped plans to make migrant care workers already living in the country wait up to 15 years for permanent settlement following opposition within her Labour Party. Under the revised proposals, migrant care workers earning at least £25,000 ($34,000) annually who arrived in the UK before May 2025 will remain eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years. Mahmood has also abandoned the proposed 15-year waiting period for low-income workers, reducing the qualifying period to 10 years. 10-year settlement route for most migrants The UK government has also proposed extending the standard route to settlement for most migrants to 10 years, with shorter pathways reserved for higher earners and those making significant contributions to the country.

Mahmood said those earning less than £50,000 a year would generally have to wait 10 years to obtain settlement status under the proposed reforms. A five-year route to settlement would remain available to workers earning more than £50,000 annually, those who have made contributions in healthcare and education, and refugees arriving through safe and legal routes. Those making what Mahmood described as "exceptional" contributions, including taxpayers earning more than £125,000, would be eligible to apply for settlement after three years.

Mahmood also outlined stricter settlement criteria, including disqualification for people with criminal records and those who fail to demonstrate a high standard of English. Individuals who commit immigration breaches could see their waiting period extended to 20 years. Under the proposed changes, people who arrived in the UK by small boat and are in employment or education would have to wait 20 years to qualify for settlement. Those who have not entered work or education would face a further 10-year wait. 'People want to see an immigration system based on control' The government said the reforms are guided by the principle of fairness and aim to prioritize migrants who make the greatest contributions to British society.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "It is only fair that those who are making the most valuable contribution to our communities are given the opportunity to settle earlier." "Those in other roles should expect to wait longer while people who abuse the system or arrive illegally will be refused or will also have to wait longer," he said. Burnham added: "People want to see an immigration system based on control, contribution, and which rewards those who play by the rules.

"These proposals are based on that principle and recognize the contribution made by overseas workers to our country. "Following Brexit, the previous government lost control of immigration, with an unprecedented spike in numbers. This Home Secretary is gripping this problem, and she has my full support in doing so." The opposition Conservative Party, meanwhile, criticized any potential relaxation of the proposals, describing it as a "slap in the face to British taxpayers."

Indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement, allows individuals to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit. It also enables them to apply for benefits, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.