The United Kingdom government laid out its immigration policy proposal, which it claims will be the “biggest overhaul of the legal migration model in 50 years.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is introducing a new “earned settlement” model that will transform how and when migrants can access settlement, benefits, and long-term residency.
Under the proposed changes, migrants will only become eligible for benefits and social housing after becoming British citizens, not simply upon receiving settlement, a major departure from the current system.
Mahmood said the reforms respond to an “unprecedented scale of arrivals in recent years”, adding “To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege. And it must be earned.”
“I am replacing a broken immigration system with one that prioritises contribution, integration and respect for the British sense of fair play.”
Key Changes
- Settlement wait doubled: Most migrants will need 10 years (up from 5) before applying for
indefinite leave to remain . - Benefits tied to citizenship: Migrants can only access benefits after becoming British citizens, not simply upon settlement.
- Long waits for:
- Health & social care workers: baseline 15 years
- Health/care workers who claimed benefits: 25 years
- Visa overstayers and small-boat arrivals: up to 30 years
- NHS doctors and nurses: 5 years
- Global Talent visa holders, Innovator Founder visa holders, high earners & entrepreneurs: 3 years
- Skilled frontline public sector workers: 5 years
- Immediate family members of UK citizens and Hong Kong BN(O) residents retain their existing 5-year pathway.
- Criminality threshold tightening: Applicants must have a clean record; exact thresholds under review.
- Integration rewards: Speaking high-level English or volunteering may shorten settlement timelines.
- Refugees: Recognised legal refugees will face a 20-year period for settlement under new asylum reforms.
Over 1.6 Million Migrants Affected
The rules will apply to almost 2 million migrants who arrived in the UK from 2021 onward, unless transitional arrangements provide exemptions.
Those with existing settled status will not be affected.
The government says this overhaul is needed to manage the 1.6 million migrants projected to become eligible for settlement by 2030 due to the previous administration’s relaxed post-Brexit policies.
The so-called “Boriswave” of arrivals, more than 600,000 health and social care workers and their family members, will be heavily impacted.
Penalties for System Abuse
For the first time, the government will introduce penalties for exploitation or abuse of the immigration system. Illegal migrants and overstayers could wait up to 30 years for settlement, effectively removing long-term residency prospects.
The Home Office says the aim is a “controlled and selective” system, the strictest in Europe.
Restricting Access to Public Funds
Under the current system, settlement automatically grants access to public funds. Under the new rules, even those who earn a settlement will not immediately gain access to benefits. Only citizenship will unlock public funds, and citizenship requires passing the Life in the UK Test and paying additional fees.
FAQs
1. Who will be affected by the new rules?
Almost all migrants who arrived after 2021, except those who have already received settled status.
2. Do refugees lose access to benefits?
No. Recognised refugees will still be eligible for public funds, though under stricter asylum conditions.
3. When do migrants become eligible for benefits?
Only after becoming British citizens, not simply after receiving settlement.
4. What if a migrant has claimed benefits?
Their settlement period could increase significantly, in some cases up to 25 years.
5. What happens to overstayers or small-boat arrivals?
They may face the longest path: up to 30 years before settlement eligibility.
6. Are there any fast-track routes?
Yes, including NHS doctors and nurses (5 years), high earners, and Global Talent visa holders (3 years).
7. Is English proficiency now required?
Yes, and speaking English to a high standard can reduce settlement waits.
8. What about criminal records?
Migrants must have a clean criminal record; thresholds are still being defined.
9. Will current settlers be affected?
No. Those who already hold settled status will keep it.
