Biggest overhaul of legal migration model in 50 years announced

The biggest shake-up of the legal migration system in nearly half a century will be launched today, designed to reward those who contribute and play by the rules.  

Days after announcing the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in decades, the Home Secretary outlines a major shift in the profile of legal migrants that will prioritise those who contribute to the economy and play by the rules.  

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege.

Earlier this year, the government announced it would double the permanent settlement qualifying period for migrants to 10 years, with reductions for those making a strong contribution to British life. 

The changes will apply to almost 2 million migrants who arrived in the UK from 2021, subject to consultation on transitional arrangements for borderline cases. 

Low-paid workers, such as the 616,000 people and their dependants who came on health and social care visas between 2022 and 2024, would be subject to a 15 year baseline.

Illegal migrants and visa overstayers would have to wait up to 30 years to settle, removing the prospect of long-term residence and security in the UK.    

Doctors and nurses working in the NHS will be able to settle after 5 years.

Family members of UK citizens, and Hong Kong BN(O)s will retain their existing 5 year pathway to settlement

5 year pathway for skilled frontline public service workers

Migrants on Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas for at least three years could only have to wait three years for settlement, a 7 year reduction on the 10 year baseline