Home Secretary overhauls rules for legal migration

THE Home Secretary has said 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.

- 

Shabana Mahmood announced a shakeup of rules for legal migration days after outlining reforms to the asylum system which drew criticism from Labour colleagues. Under the proposed changes, conditions will be set for migrants to apply for settled status after 10 years, and they could be fast-tracked or forced to wait longer depending on their “contributions” to the UK.

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.