Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has staunchly defended proposed immigration reforms aimed at tightening the criteria for permanent residency, igniting fierce opposition from Labour MPs who label the changes as “un-British.” Mahmood argues that the surge in net migration necessitates these adjustments, which could significantly alter the landscape for migrants seeking to settle in the UK.
Proposed Changes to Settlement Rights
Under the new proposals, the waiting period for most migrant workers to qualify for indefinite leave to remain—a status that allows them to live and work in the UK indefinitely—would extend from five years to a decade. This shift comes as the Home Office reports a net migration increase of 2.6 million between 2021 and 2024, forecasting that approximately 1.6 million individuals could settle between 2026 and 2030.
While the government assures that individuals already on the path to settlement will not be affected, critics within the Labour Party fear that these changes could worsen the existing skills shortages, particularly in the care sector. Arguments have been made that the retrospective nature of the reforms effectively shifts the goalposts for those already residing in the UK.
Criticism from Labour MPs
Around 40 Labour MPs have raised their voices against the proposed reforms, describing the retrospective aspect as detrimental and counterproductive. Dr Peter Prinsley, a Labour MP, emphasised the pressing need for care workers who may not be high earners but are nonetheless vital to society. He cautioned that such policies could deter essential workers from entering the UK.
Tony Vaughan, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, captured the sentiment of many by stating, “You cannot talk about earning settlement if you keep moving the goalposts after the game has started.” He labelled the retrospective changes as “un-British,” arguing they undermine the fairness that should be at the heart of the immigration system.
Home Secretary’s Rebuttal
During a session with the Home Affairs Committee, Mahmood articulated the government’s rationale for extending the qualifying period, remarking that “settlement in the UK is a privilege, not a right.” She contended that the current five-year wait is insufficient for individuals to integrate fully, and that the new framework could actually facilitate a faster path for high earners and those entering via global talent routes.
Mahmood acknowledged concerns raised about the implications for migrants who are unable to afford settlement applications under the new rules but insisted that applications would continue to be assessed based on the regulations in place at the time of submission.
Ongoing Migration Challenges
In addition to the settlement proposals, Mahmood faced questions regarding the rising number of small boat crossings in the English Channel. In 2025, over 41,000 migrants made the perilous journey, with Mahmood unable to guarantee a reduction in these figures over the next year. She acknowledged that while measures to amend the appeal system are forthcoming, tangible results may take time.
Why it Matters
The proposed immigration reforms reflect not only the government’s approach to managing migration but also the broader societal implications of integration and support for essential sectors like healthcare. As the debate unfolds, the potential impact on the UK’s labour market and the lives of countless migrants hangs in the balance, raising critical questions about fairness, opportunity, and the future of the nation’s immigration policy.
