The UK government is reviewing its plan to extend the standard waiting period for permanent residency from five to 10 years for Nigerians and other foreign workers, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said.
Mahmood acknowledged concerns over the proposed immigration changes during a speech at Labour’s annual conference, saying some parts of the plan had been criticised as unfair.
“We will come to a position that balances fairness for those who came here legally and fairness to British citizens across this country,” she said.
The proposed changes are part of the government’s “earned settlement” system, which would increase the standard qualifying period for permanent residency from five to 10 years for many migrants.
Some workers in lower-paid jobs, including those who came to the UK through health and social care routes, could have to wait 15 years before qualifying for permanent residency.
The government has also proposed allowing some migrants who make greater economic or social contributions to qualify sooner.
Permanent residency, formally known as indefinite leave to remain, allows migrants to live and work in the UK without immigration time limits.
Mahmood has faced pressure from Labour MPs and trade unions to reconsider parts of the plan, particularly its impact on people who entered the UK legally under existing rules.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner previously criticised the proposals, saying they could amount to “moving the goalposts” for migrants already living and working in the UK.
Trade union Unison has also argued that a longer settlement route could unfairly affect overseas care workers.
Speaking at the Labour conference, Mahmood said settlement should still be based on migrants showing a sustained commitment to the UK.
However, she acknowledged concerns raised during the consultation on the proposed changes.
The UK government has not yet announced its final settlement policy.
Its consultation proposed applying the new system more broadly to migrants who had not yet received indefinite leave to remain. It also sought views on transitional arrangements and other possible qualifying periods.
Any changes to the proposal could affect Nigerians and other foreign workers who are currently on the path to permanent residency in the UK.