In a major immigration policy shift, the UK Labour government has announced that foreign workers will now need to wait ten years instead of five to qualify for permanent residency. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed that migrants must also pass a “series of new tests” to prove their ability to integrate and contribute to British society before being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The decision marks one of the most significant overhauls of the UK’s immigration system in recent years and is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to regain control over migration flows and address growing public concerns.
New Conditions for Settlement
Under the revised rules, foreign nationals seeking ILR must demonstrate:
- Consistent national insurance contributions
- Proficiency in English to a high standard
- Evidence of community involvement, such as volunteering
The government argues these changes are necessary to ensure that those who settle in the UK are “earning their right” to remain and contribute. “Across this country, people feel like things are spinning out of control,” Mahmood said, citing public frustration over illegal working and wage undercutting.
Political and Policy Context
The move follows pressure from Opposition leader Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which proposed scrapping ILR entirely in favour of a renewable five-year visa. The Labour government has also introduced digital IDs and tightened deportation policies as part of its broader strategy to curb illegal migration.
This tougher stance reflects shifting political dynamics, as immigration becomes a defining issue in British politics ahead of the next general election.
Impact on Indian Migrants
The changes will particularly affect Indian workers, who make up the largest group of foreign employees in the UK. As of December 2024, 975,100 Indian nationals were on the UK’s payroll — more than any other non-UK nationality. However, the new residency rules will likely increase their financial burden, extend uncertainty around long-term settlement, and make permanent residency a more distant goal.
Moreover, work visas issued to Indians have already declined sharply — from 162,655 in 2023 to 81,463 in 2024 — indicating tightening immigration controls.
Trade Ties and Labour Market Implications
Despite the challenges, India and the UK signed a free trade agreement earlier this year that included an “innovative” Double Contribution Convention (DCC), exempting Indian workers from UK social security contributions for three years. However, the agreement also imposed strict quotas — including a cap of 1,800 visas annually for chefs, yoga instructors, and classical musicians.
Conclusion
The doubling of the residency period and tougher eligibility requirements represent a fundamental shift in UK immigration policy. While aimed at reassuring domestic voters, the move risks discouraging skilled workers, particularly from India, and could strain bilateral economic ties. For Indian professionals, the dream of building a long-term future in Britain just became significantly harder.
