The UK government has announced a major overhaul of its immigration system, aiming to reward wealth and contribution while imposing longer waits for lower-income migrants. Under the new “earned settlement” plan, top-earning migrants and entrepreneurs could apply for permanent residency (ILR) after just three years, instead of the current five. To qualify, migrants must meet conditions including a clean criminal record, good English skills, and no debt to the state.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described permanent residency as a “privilege, not a right,” emphasizing that the system is designed to reward those who contribute to the country. The government is also considering factors such as volunteering, language skills, and professional integration as part of the eligibility criteria.
For most other migrants, the changes will mean significantly longer waits. Lower-paid workers, including care staff, may have to wait 15 years before applying for ILR. Those who have claimed public benefits could face waits of 20 years, while illegal migrants and visa overstayers might have to wait as long as 30 years.
Indian migrants and others who arrived in the UK since 2021 could be affected by these changes. Importantly, under the new plan, migrants will only be eligible for social benefits and housing after becoming British citizens, rather than while on ILR.
The government has opened the plan for public consultation, allowing stakeholders and migrant communities to provide feedback before the rules are implemented. Officials say the goal is to encourage high-skilled migration while reducing dependency on state support.
Experts and migrant advocates have raised concerns that the new system may deepen inequalities and disadvantage essential workers who contribute to society but earn lower incomes.
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