In its most sweeping immigration reform in nearly 50 years, the United Kingdom plans to dramatically extend the waiting period for legal migrants to apply for permanent settlement — a shift that could significantly affect the 1.6 million migrants, including large numbers of Indians, who are due to qualify by 2030.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined the proposals, saying the new model is designed to reward migrants who “contribute, play by the rules, and support Britain’s economy,” while easing pressure on already stretched public services.
20-Year Wait for Settlement in Some Cases
Under the proposed system:
- General migrants may need to wait up to 20 years to apply for settlement.
- Low-paid workers, including the 616,000 health and social care visa holders who arrived between 2022–2024, face a 15-year baseline.
- Migrants relying on benefits could wait up to 20 years.
- Illegal entrants and overstayers may face 30-year waits, making the UK one of Europe’s strictest systems.
The previously announced plan to double the standard settlement period to 10 years remains, but only for migrants who meet contribution thresholds.
Fast-Track Path for High Earners and Skilled Workers
To attract talent, the government plans to offer accelerated settlement for:
- Doctors and nurses (NHS) → 5 years
- High earners and entrepreneurs → 3 years
- Top global talent → fast-tracked on economic merit
This shift marks a strategic pivot toward a points-based, contribution-focused model, prioritising economic value over sheer numbers.
Benefits Only After Citizenship — Not Settlement
One major change:
Migrants will no longer qualify for benefits or social housing upon receiving permanent settlement.
They must first become British citizens, a process requiring:
- High-level English proficiency
- A clean criminal record
- No outstanding debts
- Three years of social security tax contributions
Impact on Indians
Indians—now the UK’s largest migrant group:
- 250,000 arrived in 2023
- 127,000 for work
- 115,000 on study visas
- Nearly 1.6 million migrants eligible for settlement by 2030 could face extended timelines.
Given that Indians form the UK’s largest non-white ethnic population (over 2 million people), these reforms will touch tens of thousands of families, students, and workers.
Why Is the UK Doing This?
The government says:
- Net migration has reached record highs
- Public services such as health care and housing are strained
- Settlement should be a “privilege, not a right”
Labour argues the approach is “fairer to British people” and rewards “those who contribute.”
Criticism and Political Pressure
- Some refugee and rights groups call the proposals “far-right rhetoric in softer language.”
- The hard-right Reform UK party wants to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain entirely, forcing all migrants to reapply every five years.
- The Home Secretary insists the changes won’t apply to those already holding settled status.
The proposals are now subject to a 12-week consultation, with the government aiming to implement the reforms by April 2026.