EARN YOUR PLACE

Labour's hardline rules for legal migrants

- BY DAVE BURKE Political Correspondent

SHABANA Mahmood has announced the biggest overhaul of legal migration rules in 50 years - with high earners and skilled NHS workers set to get priority.

The Home Secretary said the new measures which would extend the length of time before migrants can apply for permanent settlement - will reward those who contribute to the economy and play by the rules.

She proposes setting the standard qualifying period to 10 years up from its current five years with a range of rewards and penalties that would lengthen or shorten that period.

This means some including NHS doctors and nurses, entrepreneurs and high earners - would be fast-tracked, while others will not be eligible for decades.