30-year settlement wait for illegal migrants under UK’s new contribution-based model

The UK government on Thursday unveiled the biggest overhaul of its legal migration system in nearly 50 years, introducing a contribution-based settlement model that extends the time many migrants must wait before securing permanent residency.

Under the new framework, illegal migrants and visa overstayers could be required to wait up to 30 years before they become eligible for settlement, removing the possibility of long-term residency and security in the UK.

Low-paid workers, including the 6,16,000 migrants who entered on health and social care visas between 2022 and 2024, would face a new 15-year baseline.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms are designed to “reward those who contribute and play by the rules” and replace what she called a “broken immigration system.” The policy aims to prioritise high earners, NHS doctors and nurses, entrepreneurs, and skilled frontline public service workers, who will see reduced settlement pathways ranging from three to five years.

The sweeping changes, which apply to nearly two million migrants who arrived in the UK since 2021, introduce strict conditions based on contribution, integration, character, and residence. Migrants reliant on benefits may face a 20-year wait, while only British citizens would be eligible for social housing and most public funds under the proposals.

The government said the system will become the “most controlled and selective in Europe,” with transitional arrangements to be outlined after consultation. Those already in the UK but not yet granted settlement are expected to be moved onto the new contribution-based model.

In October this year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a keynote speech at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, setting out the party’s policies on illegal immigration, education, healthcare, and its stance against Reform UK. 

Starmer, who also serves as Labour Party leader, said the country’s asylum system “cannot be ignored”, pledging to strengthen border security by stopping small boat crossings in the English Channel, cracking down on illegal working, and removing “people with no right to be here”.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)