UK says most migrants will now wait 10 years for permanent settlement

Most migrants seeking permanent settlement in the United Kingdom will now wait 10 years instead of five under new rules the Home Office set out on Monday.

Under the earned settlement model announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, in a statement published on GOV.UK, migrants earning more than £50,271 a year and some public service workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers can settle after five years, while the highest earners can settle within three.

Anyone applying will first have to meet four conditions: a clean criminal record, English spoken to a high standard, a record of National Insurance contributions, and no debt to the government. Migrants who have breached immigration rules will wait at least 20 years, and those who arrived by small boat up to 30.

Care workers who kept their visa conditions and earned at least £25,000 a year will be able to settle after five years, a carve-out the government said recognises their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. It said about a quarter will not qualify and will instead be offered a new five-year visa. An estimated 500,000 people overall will wait longer than five years.

The announcement does not mention Nigeria. The government said no one will be forced to leave; those who wait longer can apply for new visas that keep them on a path to settlement.

Refugees who arrive on approved routes can apply after five years, those who work or study after 10, and others after 20. Family members of British citizens and people who already have settlement keep their existing positions.

Sources: Home Office announcement; PM News