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Britain’s Labour government confirmed plans on Monday to double the waiting period for most foreign workers seeking permanent residency from five to 10 years.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood announced the sweeping overhaul of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rules, estimating that the changes will cause half a million people to settle later and save billions in public expenditure.
However, Mahmood watered down initial proposals following fierce backlash from cabinet ministers and ruling party lawmakers, exempting key public sector roles.
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Under the revised policy, public service professionals like doctors, nurses, and teachers retain their five-year path to settlement, while high earners can apply after just three years.
Care workers earning at least £25,000 annually who meet their visa conditions will also qualify after five years, backing away from a previously proposed 15-year requirement.
Meanwhile, refugees arriving through pre-approved schemes maintain a five-year pathway, while those entering illegally or claiming unapproved benefits face wait times extending up to 20 or 30 years.
The government expects the new rules to take effect next year, directly impacting foreign workers already living in the United Kingdom while preserving the status of current ILR holders.
Officials estimate that 1.9 million people will attain settled status between 2026 and 2030 as Prime Minister Andy Burnham attempts to balance public demand for lower immigration with national economic growth goals.
