UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has signalled that the government could revise proposed changes to the rules governing permanent residency for foreign workers, following concerns from Cabinet colleagues, trade unions and others about the potential impact of the reforms.
Speaking at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Mahmood said the government would seek a position that balances fairness to people who came to the UK legally with fairness to British citizens.
She said some respondents to the consultation had questioned whether elements of the proposed settlement reforms were fair, indicating that the final policy could differ from the initial proposals.Proposed Changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain
The government has been consulting on an “earned settlement” model for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), under which migrants would have to meet additional requirements and demonstrate their contribution to the UK before securing permanent residence.
Under the proposed framework, the standard qualifying period for ILR would increase from five years to 10 years, although the government has been considering different pathways and transitional arrangements for particular groups.
Mahmood previously told Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee that the government was considering transitional protections, including options that could allow some groups to retain the existing five-year route, while other groups could face a longer qualifying period. She said the final policy would be announced later in 2026.
Concerns Over Foreign Workers
The proposed changes have drawn particular attention because of their potential effect on workers in sectors such as health and social care.
The Guardian reported that the proposals could extend the settlement timeline for some health and care visa holders who arrived since 2021 to as much as 15 years, while Mahmood’s latest comments suggest the government is considering adjustments following opposition from within government and from trade unions.
The government has not yet announced the final settlement rules, meaning the exact qualifying periods and any transitional arrangements remain subject to the policy process.
Mahmood said the government would publish its final position after considering consultation responses and other evidence, with the changes expected to be set out later this year.
