Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has defended the government’s proposed immigration reforms, insisting they are fair and necessary despite strong opposition from Labour MPs concerned about their impact on migrants and key sectors of the economy.
Appearing before the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, Mahmood argued that recent levels of migration to the UK have been unprecedented and require a firm response.
She said settlement in the UK is “a privilege, not a right” and questioned whether allowing permanent residence after just five years was reasonable.
Under the proposals, most migrant workers would have to wait 10 years up from the current five before qualifying for permanent settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain.
In some cases, the qualifying period could be reduced to as little as three years for high earners, global talent visa holders, or higher-rate taxpayers.
However, it could also be extended for those who rely on state benefits. Migrants who arrived on post-Brexit health and social care visas could face a wait of up to 15 years.
The Home Office says net migration added about 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024, and estimates that around 1.6 million people could become eligible for settlement between 2026 and 2030 if the rules remain unchanged.
A public consultation on the proposed reforms, including transitional arrangements for those already on a settlement route, closes on 12 February. The changes would not apply to people who have already secured settlement.
Labour MPs have criticised the proposals as unfair and retrospective. Around 40 MPs have warned that changing the rules for people already living and working in the UK amounts to moving the goalposts and could worsen skills shortages, particularly in the care sector. Dr Peter Prinsley highlighted the importance of care workers who may not be high earners but are essential to society.
Others, including Tony Vaughan and Rachael Maskell, described the approach as un-British and damaging to the economy. Mahmood responded that applications are assessed under the rules in force at the time they are made, stressing this was long-standing practice.
The debate highlights growing political divisions over how the UK should balance migration control with fairness, workforce needs, and long-term economic stability.
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