Overhaul of rules for legal migrants

THE Home Secretary has said that long-term settlement for migrants in the UK is a “privilege” that must be earned, as she set out details to end automatic status after five years.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTERS

Shabana Mahmood announced a shakeup of rules for legal migration just days after outlining reforms to the asylum system which drew criticism from Labour colleagues.

The plan for “earned” settlement and a doubling of the wait time before being eligible for long-term status was first announced under the Government's immigration white paper in May, and is aimed at reducing the number of people coming to the UK.

The move comes as it is estimated 1.6 million people will settle in the UK between 2026 and 2030, Ms Mahmood said, with a peak of 450,000 in 2028.

She said: “To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege, and it must be earned.

“Today, that is not the case. Settlement or indefinite leave to remain comes almost automatically after five years’ residence in this country. At that point, a migrant gains access to many of the rights of a British citizen, including to benefits.”