Mahmood expected to announce changes to rules around indefinite leave to remain

Shabana Mahmood is expected to unveil modifications to the regulations governing indefinite leave to remain in the UK. According to recent reports, the current five-year wait for permanent settlement could be extended to 10 years, with lower-paid migrants facing a more extended 15-year wait. However, it is believed that social care workers who are already residing in the country may be exempt from this lengthy waiting period.

The government's consultation on these proposed reforms has garnered over 200,000 responses. The home secretary expressed concern over the number of individuals who would be eligible for permanent residency following a period of significant net migration under the previous administration. Mahmood's decision to alter the rules has faced opposition from within her own party, with some accusing her of bending to pressure from opposition MPs.

Initially, it was proposed that most workers would need to reside and work in the UK for 10 years before becoming eligible for permanent settlement, although this period could be reduced based on their contribution to their communities or their income level. The Home Office will not disclose Mahmood's final decisions until they are presented to Parliament in the coming week.