UK Home Secretary to Demand Migrants Earn Right to Settled Status
The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is set to announce that migrants will need to prove they are contributing to society to earn the right to remain in the UK. This announcement will be made during her speech at the Labour conference.
New Conditions for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Shabana Mahmood will outline a series of new conditions that migrants must meet to qualify for indefinite leave to remain. These proposals aim to set a higher standard for those seeking permanent settlement in the UK.
- Learn English to a high standard.
- Maintain a clean criminal record.
- Volunteer in their community.
Labour's Policy vs. Reform UK's Stance
Labour states that this policy distinguishes them from Reform UK, which advocates for abolishing indefinite leave to remain. Currently, migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, granting them the right to live, study, and work in the UK permanently.
Labour plans to double the qualifying period from five to ten years. Reform UK proposes replacing indefinite leave to remain with visas requiring migrants to reapply every five years.
Political Reactions and Debate
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labelled Reform UK's policy as "racist" and "immoral." Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed these sentiments, stating that those living and working in the UK legally should not be deported.
In response, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage accused Labour of not believing in border controls. Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's policy chief, asserted that people have legitimate concerns about immigration.
Integration and Contribution
Ministers want migrants to demonstrate integration into the UK by meeting criteria such as making National Insurance contributions, not receiving benefits, and contributing to their communities. Labour suggests that some foreign nationals could gain earlier settlement based on exceptional contributions or skills.
Labour's Conference Theme and Mahmood's Perspective
A key theme of Labour's conference is challenging Reform UK, which is currently leading in national opinion polls. Mahmood is expected to emphasize that "fair migration" and secure borders are essential for an "open, generous, tolerant" country.
Mahmood will also discuss her parents' experiences as migrants in the UK, highlighting the importance of contributing to local communities for acceptance. She also intends to outline a "winter of action" scheme to combat shoplifting, inspired by her own experiences as a child working in her family's shop.
