Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a major overhaul of legal migration rules, requiring migrants to wait 10 years instead of five for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. The shake-up comes just days after the government announced sweeping asylum system reforms on Monday.
Under the new framework, migrants can only access benefits and social housing once they become British citizens. Those in the country illegally could face up to 30 years before qualifying for long-term residency.
Mahmood said: «Migration will always be a vital part of Britain's story. But the scale of arrivals in recent years has been unprecedented.» She added: «To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege. And it must be earned.»
The Home Secretary framed the changes as addressing what she called an «uncomfortable truth» - that the UK's asylum offer is perceived as drawing migrants and the current system «feels out of control and unfair» to British taxpayers.
Faster paths through contribution
The government said migrants can qualify for settlement faster than the standard 10-year wait through a contribution-based model. Options include volunteering in the local community, demonstrating a high level of English and not claiming benefits.
The plan was first announced in the government's immigration white paper in May and aims to reduce the number of people coming to the UK.
Asylum system changes
Monday's asylum reforms make refugee status temporary, subject to review every 30 months. Refugees now face a 20-year wait for permanent residency, quadrupling the previous five-year requirement.
The changes seek to make it easier to deport individuals and return refugees to their home countries if deemed safe. Mahmood is also considering «a big increase» in payments to encourage voluntary returns.
Political reactions divide
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told LBC on Wednesday he felt uncomfortable about deporting families with children lacking the right to remain, but said: «Honestly? Comfortable? No. But is it the right thing to do for the country? Yes.»
Education Secretary Ms Phillipson told reporters on Thursday: «Our country has always been open, tolerant and outward looking, but if we want to maintain public confidence in the immigration and asylum system, then it's right we take action.» She confirmed families would not be separated.
Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday: «I agree that Shabana Mahmood is right to grasp this nettle and have root-and-branch reform of the system.» But he raised concerns about the 20-year wait: «I think it will leave people in a position where they don't know whether they're staying or potentially leaving, and particularly in situations where people are wanting to work, wanting to contribute, I think, it would be better to stick with the decision of long-term leave to remain.»
International criticism
The Albanian prime minister criticized the Home Secretary's specific mention of about 700 Albanian families, calling it «ethnic stereotyping».
Mahmood said: «I am replacing a broken immigration system with one that prioritises contribution, integration and respect for the British sense of fair play.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
