World Immigration News

High standard of English to be required for leave to remain, Mahmood to pledge

Release Date: 2025-09-28
Media: The Guardian
Summary: UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to tighten rules for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Applicants will need high-level English skills, a clean criminal record, proof of work and contributions such as tax or community service, and no reliance on benefits. Some may be fast-tracked, while others could live in the UK for 10 years and still be denied ILR.

The move responds to Reform UK’s push to scrap ILR for non-EU citizens, a policy Labour has condemned as racist and unfair. Currently, ILR is usually granted after five years, but the government already intends to raise this to 10 years.

Critics, including refugee advocates, warn Labour’s plan could punish refugees who initially rely on benefits due to barriers to work, undermining integration. Polls suggest Reform UK is gaining momentum, making immigration policy a central battleground ahead of the next election.
Tags: United Kingdom

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