UK to Introduce Stricter Residency Rules as Part of Immigration Overhaul

The British government is preparing a major overhaul of immigration policy, with tougher criteria for migrants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the permanent residency status that allows people to settle in the country.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce the measures during the Labour Party’s annual conference. Under the proposals, applicants will be required to demonstrate consistent payment of National Insurance contributions, avoid reliance on state benefits, and maintain a clean criminal record. Proficiency in English at a high level will also be mandatory, alongside evidence of community engagement such as volunteering or local participation.

The qualifying period for ILR, currently five years for many migrants, could be extended to ten years. Exceptions may be granted in limited cases where applicants make exceptional contributions to society. However, the government has made it clear that the rules will not apply retroactively to people who already hold ILR or settled status.

The proposals come amid growing political pressure over migration levels. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has called for an end to ILR altogether, replacing it with renewable work visas every five years. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed the plan as divisive and racist, arguing that it would tear apart families who have built their lives in Britain.

The government also intends to crack down on legal challenges that delay deportations, particularly last-minute claims involving trafficking or asylum applications. In parallel, officials are working on plans for a mandatory digital identification system, expected to be in place by 2029, to strengthen checks in employment and access to public services.

Civil society groups have warned against using migrants as scapegoats. More than one hundred charities recently signed an open letter urging the government to focus instead on long-term issues such as underfunded housing, public services, and the National Health Service.

A public consultation on the proposed changes is expected before any legislation is introduced, though officials say the reforms are central to Labour’s wider plan to rebuild public confidence in the immigration system.