Migrants seeking to settle in the UK will have to meet stricter requirements, including having a job, not claiming benefits, and undertaking community work.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood announced these plans, emphasizing that migrants would have to make social security contributions, claim no benefits, have a clean criminal record, and volunteer in their community to stay. According to Mahmood, “migrants should learn English to a high standard,” and she will be a “tough” minister.
The new rules aim to ensure migrants contribute positively to British society and are self-sufficient. Currently, those with family in Britain and who have lived there for five years qualify for permanent residence, as do those who have lived legally in the UK for 10 years on any type of visa. Eligible applicants meeting those thresholds also earn the right to live, work, and study in the UK and apply for benefits and British citizenship.
The government plans to consult on these changes later this year. Mahmood will outline the plans at the annual conference of the ruling Labour Party. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will also address the conference, vowing to invest in Britain’s renewal and announcing new plans to get young people in work.
The announcement comes shortly after the opposition hard-right Reform Party said it would scrap “indefinite leave to remain” altogether, with migrants instead required to reapply for visas every five years. Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized Reform’s plan, calling it “racist” and saying it would “tear the country apart”.
Mahmood warned party members that failure to tackle immigration would mean working people would turn away from Labour and seek solace in Reform’s false promises. The new rules draw a clear dividing line between the Labour government and Reform, whose recent announcement would force workers contributing to the country for decades to leave their homes and families.
Immigration is a key issue in the UK, with record numbers of arrivals and a growing debate about the impact on society. Mahmood emphasized that protecting the UK border is her priority, and she will explore all options to restore order to the immigration system.
The government’s efforts to address immigration come amid growing public concern and the rise of populist parties like Reform UK. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the new rules will be implemented and their impact on the UK’s immigration system.
