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The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has defended the government’s immigration reform plans amid criticism from Labour MPs, who oppose changes affecting rights to permanent settlement. Mahmood emphasized that the influx of people arriving in the UK in recent years has created a pressing need for the government to respond. The proposals aim to extend the period required for most migrant workers to become eligible for permanent residence from five to ten years.
However, approximately 40 Labour MPs expressed serious concerns about how these reforms would affect migrants already residing in the UK. They argue that applying these new rules retrospectively is unfair, describing such a move as “un-British” and akin to “moving the goalposts.” The opposition also warned that lengthening the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain could aggravate existing labour shortages, especially in sectors like social care, where skilled workers are in high demand.
Settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, grants migrants the right to live, work, and study indefinitely in the UK, as well as access eligible benefits. According to Home Office figures, net migration has increased the UK population by 2.6 million between 2021 and 2024, with an estimated 1.6 million people expected to seek settlement between 2026 and 2030. The government’s consultation on these proposed changes, which closes on 12 February, also includes consideration of transitional arrangements for those already on a settlement pathway. Notably, these changes would not affect individuals who have already obtained settlement.
During a session with the Home Affairs Committee, Mahmood described settlement as a “privilege not a right,” stressing the importance of attracting highly skilled individuals. She explained that while the standard qualifying period would be extended to ten years, there would be options to reduce this time for certain groups such as high earners and global talent visa holders, potentially to as few as three years. Conversely, those who rely on public benefits might face longer qualifying periods. Some proposals specifically target people who arrived on post-Brexit health and social care visas, requiring them to wait up to 15 years. Labour MPs, including Dr Peter Prinsley and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, highlighted the challenges these changes pose for sectors heavily reliant on low-paid but crucial workers, warning of anxiety over the retrospective element of the reforms. Mahmood clarified that applications will be assessed based on the rules in force at the time of application, a practice consistent with previous policy.
The debate over the immigration reforms continued in Westminster Hall, where Labour MPs voiced strong opposition. Tony Vaughan criticized the retrospective nature of the changes, calling it “un-British” and unfair. Rachael Maskell echoed concerns that the reforms could worsen the country’s skills shortages, urging for the policy to be scrapped. Outside of the settlement debate, Mahmood also addressed concerns about migrant crossings via small boats in the English Channel, acknowledging she could not guarantee a reduction in numbers over the next year. With over 41,000 crossings recorded in 2025—a significant increase from the previous year—she noted that new measures would take time to implement, including legislative changes aimed at tightening appeal systems linked to the Human Rights Act
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