UK weighs changes to settlement qualifying periods

Immigration · First reported 31 Oct, 05:16 · Updated 08:57

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce a decision on proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain. The proposals would lengthen qualifying periods for many migrants, while reporting says social care workers already in the UK may be exempt; migrants interviewed describe the potential financial and personal effects.

Mahmood proposed extending the usual settlement wait from five to 10 years, with some lower-paid workers facing up to 15 years; the BBC says social care workers already in the UK are likely to be exempt.
The BBC reports that the consultation received 200,000 responses and that a final decision is expected to be presented to Parliament in the coming week.
People interviewed by The i Paper describe uncertainty about their ability to settle and the potential costs of visa routes and fees.

Summary written by Lux AI from 2 articles

Key facts

Existing qualifying period: Five years.
Proposed period for most workers: Ten years, with reductions possible for community contributions or higher incomes.
Proposed period for some lower-paid workers: Up to 15 years.
Consultation responses: 200,000.
Fekete’s estimated fees: £20,000 in visa and immigration health surcharge fees if the qualifying period is extended.