World Immigration News

(The Conversation)The UK could make migrants wait up to 20 years before becoming settled – making it one of the longest waits in the world

Release Date: 2026-04-10
Media: The Conversation
Summary: The UK government plans to significantly tighten rules for obtaining permanent residence (ILR), doubling the standard qualifying period from five to ten years and extending it up to 20 years for some groups. Additional requirements, including stricter criminal record checks, higher English proficiency, and minimum income thresholds, would disproportionately affect dependants, family visa holders, and refugees.

While high-skilled workers may qualify faster, low-skilled migrants, refugees, and irregular migrants would face much longer waiting periods. The government argues the reforms will deter irregular migration, but evidence suggests such policies are ineffective and may instead hinder integration by creating prolonged uncertainty.

If implemented, the UK would become one of the most restrictive countries among high-income democracies in terms of access to permanent residence.
Tags: United Kingdom

Released on

Article Title