Illegal migrants in UK to wait 30 years for permanent residency

LONDON: The United Kingdom(UK) has announced major changes to its immigration rules following a revision of its asylum policy, significantly extending the timeline for obtaining permanent residency.

Under the new proposals, immigrants who arrive legally in the UK may have to wait up to 20 years for permanent residency, while those entering illegally could face a wait of up to 30 years.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing Parliament, said that applicants seeking permanent residency must meet strict requirements: they must have no criminal record, demonstrate A-Level standard English proficiency, and must not owe any debt within the country. The revised rules will also apply to individuals already living in the UK.

According to the proposed framework, the settlement period will vary based on category. Mahmood stated that the minimum residence requirement before applying for settlement will increase from five years to ten years for most categories.

However, doctors and nurses serving within the NHS will remain eligible to apply after five years, while highly skilled individuals may qualify through a fast-track route, and high-income professionals or entrepreneurs may apply after three years.

Shabana Mahmood said her aim is to replace the UK’s “broken immigration system” with one that is fair and focused on integration, adding that her own parents migrated to Britain in search of a better life before becoming citizens.