Big changes for migrants in the UK
Migrants’ right to settle in the UK will be dependent on them not claiming benefits under a major new shake-up by the Labour government.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce on Monday (29 September), that migrants seeking permanent settlement in the UK would need to demonstrate that they are actively contributing to society, the Telegraph reports.
Under the suggested changes, securing indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would require evidence of paying national insurance, financial independence without relying on state benefits, maintaining a clean criminal record, engaging in community service or volunteering, and showing a strong command of English.
The waiting period for ILR would rise from five to ten years, unless applicants can prove they make an exceptional contribution, either through significant financial input or voluntary and charitable activities.
A new points-based framework would mean that those who fall short in certain areas may be required to wait even longer than a decade. Individuals who fail to contribute, depend on benefits, or commit criminal offences risk losing their chance to stay and may be removed from the country once their visa expires.
Taking the fight to Reform
In his article, Starmer specifically called out Reform Uk for its simplistic approach to the immigration issue.
Earlier this week, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveiled plans to force all migrants with permanent residency to reapply for visas under stricter criteria, including a higher salary requirement and a better standard of English.
This will include plans to eject hundreds of thousands of legal migrants in an unprecedented reversal of Britain’s relaxed border rules.
Reform plans to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) entirely within 100 days of a Reform government winning office, forcing economic migrants to apply for visas with stricter conditions.
