The UK government is preparing to make it harder for migrants to secure permanent residency, in a bid to respond to rising political pressure over immigration while still keeping
the economy afloat.
At the upcoming Labour Party conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to unveil proposals that would scrap the automatic right to stay permanently after five years. Instead, migrants could face new requirements: proving they’ve paid into the system through taxes or social security, demonstrating strong English skills, keeping a clean criminal record, and even showing evidence of community involvement.
The plan comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government finds itself squeezed by Reform UK, Nigel Farage’s party, which has surged in polls by making immigration its top issue. Traditionally, Labour has taken a more open stance on migration, but the political mood has shifted since Brexit.
Why this matters
Immigration has long been one of Britain’s most divisive debates. Brexit in 2016 was fueled by promises to “take back control” of borders, yet net migration has actually risen to record levels. Labour’s tougher talk is aimed at showing voters it understands concerns about integration and fairness, while blunting Reform UK’s populist message.
But it’s a delicate balancing act. Too harsh a policy risks alienating Labour’s progressive base and industries that depend on migrant workers. Too soft, and the party risks losing ground to Reform. Mahmood’s announcement is an attempt to walk that tightrope.
Who’s affected
Migrants: Around one million people currently on the path to permanent settlement may now face extra hurdles. For many, residency isn’t just a status—it means security for their families, stable work, and access to vital services.
- Employers: Sectors like healthcare, construction, and hospitality already struggle with staff shortages. Stricter settlement rules could make it harder to attract and keep the workers they need.
- The Public: Opinions remain split. Some believe settlement is granted too easily, while others emphasize migrants’ contributions to the economy and local communities.
What’s next
If these proposals go ahead, Britain could soon have one of the toughest residency systems in Western Europe—where long-term settlement depends not just on how long you’ve lived in the country, but on how well you’ve integrated.
For Labour, the gamble could pay off in the short term by undercutting Reform UK. But it also risks deepening divisions with migrant communities, straining key industries, and sparking pushback from within the party itself.
The government plans a formal consultation later this year. That will be the moment to see whether this is mainly political theater—or the beginning of a major shake-up in Britain’s immigration policy. Photo by Richard Townshend, Wikimedia commons.