The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has unveiled a sweeping immigration reform, doubling the UK migrant settlement period from five to ten years.
This significant policy shift, announced on Thursday, will affect both future arrivals and certain migrants already residing in the United Kingdom.
New Settlement Rules
The extended ten-year settlement requirement will apply to specific migrant groups currently in the UK, clarifying earlier ambiguity about the policy’s scope.
According to reports, migrants on family visas or as dependents will retain the five-year pathway to permanent residency, or “settled status.”
However, those on work, student, or other temporary visas will now face the prolonged ten-year wait.
This change disrupts the previous five-year route to settlement, a cornerstone of UK immigration policy.
This aligns with the Labour government’s pledge to reduce net migration while reforming integration frameworks.
Key Features of the Immigration Rule
The reforms, detailed in a government White Paper, introduce tougher requirements across multiple migration routes.
- Extended Settlement Wait Time
The UK migrant settlement period will now span ten years for most visa categories, doubling the previous requirement.
This aims to manage immigration levels while ensuring long-term integration.
- English Language Requirement for Dependents
Adult dependents of primary visa holders must now demonstrate basic English proficiency.
According to the Home Office, this will foster integration, improve employability, and reduce vulnerability to exploitation.
- Shortened Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route visa, which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years post-graduation to seek work, will be reduced to 18 months.
- Tuition Fee Levy for International Students
A proposed 6% levy on international student tuition fees will fund domestic higher education and skills training, reducing reliance on foreign student revenue.
- Stricter University Compliance
Universities sponsoring international students must maintain a 95% course enrolment rate and a 90% completion rate.
Non-compliant institutions risk losing their sponsorship licenses.
- Fast-Track Settlement for Skilled Workers
To attract global talent, a fast-track settlement route will be available for highly skilled professionals in critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Backlash from Health Sector
The reforms have sparked criticism from Unison, the UK’s largest health and care worker union.
The union warns that the extended settlement period could create uncertainty for foreign workers integral to the workforce.
Unison also urged the government to reclassify care jobs as skilled roles, advocating for fair pay and long-term job security.
Implications for Migrants and the UK Economy
For migrants nearing the five-year settlement mark, the new ten-year requirement may disrupt career, family, and long-term plans.
The policy could also deter international talent, particularly in competitive fields, as countries like Canada and Australia offer more flexible immigration pathways.
Politically, the reforms reflect Labour’s balancing act tightening migration controls amid public pressure while preserving the UK’s economic need for skilled labor.
However, critics argue the measures may undermine the UK’s global competitiveness in education and innovation.
Looking Ahead
The decision to extend the UK migrant settlement period to ten years is one of the most significant immigration policy shifts in recent history.
As implementation unfolds, the government faces the challenge of supporting existing migrants while maintaining the UK’s appeal to global talent.
Debate continues over whether exemptions or transitional measures will ease the impact on those already contributing to British society.
For now, the reforms signal a new era of stricter immigration controls under Starmer’s leadership.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
