UK announces biggest overhaul of its legal migration model in 50 years
The Earned Settlement Model was unveiled Thursday as part of the UK government's Immigration White Paper to restore order and control to the immigration system.
The United Kingdom has announced plans to shake up its migration policy, making it mandatory for illegal migrants and arrivals reliant on the country's benefits to wait up to a maximum of 30 years to settle in the country.
The Earned Settlement Model, described as the toughest in Europe and the strictest to be implemented within the last half-century, will affect almost two million migrants who arrived in the UK from 2021, subject to consultation on transitional arrangements for borderline cases.
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Recognised refugees who left for the UK legally will also be subject to a 20-year wait period.
"Refugees will still retain their eligibility for public funds, subject to the stricter conditions," a statement explaining the changes adds.
The government, however, said the changes will not apply to legal migrants with existing settled status who have made their lives in the country.
The Model is designed to reward those who contribute to the country economically and play by the rules by reducing their waiting period for permanent settlement.
At the same time, doctors and nurses working in the NHS will be able to settle after five years and in its bid to support economic growth, the brightest and best of international talent could have settlement fast-tracked - with high earners and entrepreneurs able to stay after just three years.
The move ends a 15-year wait period for low-paid workers, such as about 616,000 people and their dependents who migrated to the UK on health and social care visas between 2022 and 2024, following widespread abuse.
The government further warned that there will be penalties for immigrants exploiting the system.
"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," Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.
The landmark proposals could see migrants only become eligible for benefits and social housing if they first become British citizens, rather than upon being granted settlement, as is currently the case.
The government said the reforms will make Britain's settlement system by far the most controlled and selective in Europe.
State projections show that due to record-high levels of migration under the previous government, 1.6 million migrants are set to become eligible for settlement by 2030.
The government explained that transitional arrangements for those already in the UK will be set out following a consultation.
"The intention is that anyone yet to be granted settlement would be subject to the contribution-based model once the new rules are in force," the statement adds.
Other key proposals stipulate that migrants should have a clean criminal record if they wish to settle.
They should also be in work, speak English to a high standard and not claim benefits.
"Work will take place to consider the precise threshold at which this is applied, building on rules announced earlier this year to reduce the deportation threshold reductions for contribution," it adds.
The Model was unveiled on Thursday as part of the UK government's Immigration White Paper to restore order and control to the immigration system.
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