Britain is considering tightening rules on how migrants can settle permanently in the country, with applicants potentially required to prove their value to society before qualifying.
The proposal is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government’s strategy to counter the growing influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has gained traction by pushing a hardline stance on immigration.
Currently, most migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years of residence, granting them the right to live permanently in the UK. However, in her first address to the Labour Party conference as interior minister, Shabana Mahmood will announce that the government is weighing changes to make the process more stringent.
Under the new plan, eligibility could depend on meeting conditions such as paying social security contributions, maintaining a clean criminal record, and refraining from claiming benefits. In addition, applicants might be required to demonstrate strong English language skills and evidence of community involvement through volunteering. A formal consultation on the proposals is expected later this year.
The move comes after Reform UK suggested abolishing indefinite leave to remain entirely and replacing it with a renewable five-year work visa. Starmer strongly condemned the proposal on Sunday, branding it a “racist policy” that would lead to mass deportations and “tear this country apart.”
Immigration remains a highly sensitive issue for British voters. It was a central factor in the 2016 Brexit referendum, where control over borders was a key campaign pledge. Yet, despite leaving the European Union, net migration levels have surged to record highs, fueling public debate and increasing political pressure on the government.
The proposed reforms mark Labour’s attempt to strike a balance between managing immigration concerns and upholding the UK’s tradition of fairness and inclusivity.
