London(The COW News Digital)The United Kingdom has announced major changes to its immigration and asylum policies, introducing significantly longer waiting periods for permanent residency. Under the new rules, legally residing immigrants may have to wait up to 20 years to qualify for settlement, while those who entered the country illegally could face a waiting period of 30 years.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined the changes in Parliament, emphasizing that the reforms aim to create a fairer and more integrated immigration system. She stated that applicants for permanent residency must meet strict criteria, including a clean criminal record, proficiency in English at the A-level standard, and no outstanding debts in the UK. The new rules will also apply retroactively to individuals already residing in the country.
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The policy revisions introduce different settlement periods depending on applicant categories. Previously, immigrants could apply for permanent residency after five years of residence; the new rules extend this minimum duration to ten years. Mahmood clarified that doctors and nurses serving the NHS will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after five years, while highly skilled individuals may qualify through a fast-track system. Entrepreneurs and high earners will be allowed to apply after three years.
“The UK’s broken immigration system needs reform,” Mahmood said, stressing the importance of fairness and integration. She added that her own parents migrated to the UK seeking a better life and eventually became citizens, highlighting the long-term benefits of legal settlement.
The Home Secretary also emphasized that the changes are intended to balance public concerns about illegal immigration with the need to retain talented and essential workers. While the extended waiting periods are expected to act as a deterrent for unlawful entry, the fast-track routes aim to attract skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to support the country’s economic growth.
The reforms have sparked mixed reactions among immigrant communities and advocacy groups. Supporters argue that the rules will ensure greater accountability and reduce misuse of the system, while critics have warned that such long waiting periods may discourage integration and create uncertainty for families who have already established lives in the UK.
The UK government has stated that the updated immigration policies will be implemented in phases and will affect all current and future applicants. Officials insist that the changes are part of a broader effort to overhaul the UK’s asylum and settlement framework, making it more structured, predictable, and fair for all legal residents.
