In a historic shift that the government is calling the “biggest overhaul of the legal migration model in 50 years,” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced tough new rules that will fundamentally change how migrants settle in the UK.
Speaking to Parliament on November 20, 2025, the Home Secretary declared that “to settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege.” The new “Earned Settlement” model proposes increasing the standard wait for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from the current five years to a new baseline of 10 years.
The End of Automatic Access to Benefits
Perhaps the most shocking change for migrants is the proposal regarding the safety net. Under the new plans, obtaining Settlement (ILR) will no longer automatically grant access to benefits or social housing.
Instead, the government proposes that access to Public Funds and social housing will be reserved exclusively for those who go on to become British Citizens. This effectively extends the “No Recourse to Public Funds” (NRPF) condition for many migrants well beyond the current five-year period.
- Read more:-
- Who is Shabana Mahmood ? A complete Biography.
- Restoring Order: The UK’s New Migration Strategy
- The UK Home Office’s New Asylum Model: immigration reforms
- Asylum seekers to face 20-year wait for UK settlement under new laws
- The UK Visitor Visa: A Comprehensive Guide.
Penalties and Fast Tracks
The new system is tiered based on contribution:
- The 30-Year Wait: Those who arrived in the UK illegally (e.g., via small boats) or overstayed their visas could face a wait of up to 30 years to obtain settlement.
- Benefit Penalties: Migrants who have claimed welfare support for more than 12 months could see their route to settlement extended by an additional 5 to 10 years.
- Fast Tracks: High earners, entrepreneurs, and key public service workers (such as doctors and nurses in the NHS) may still be able to settle in 3 to 5 years if they meet specific contribution criteria.
What Should You Do?
These proposals are currently subject to a 12-week consultation, with rules expected to change from April 2026. However, the Home Office has indicated that these changes could apply retrospectively to people already in the UK who have not yet obtained ILR. It is vital to stay updated with official Home Office news and check your eligibility status immediately.
