Home secretary sets out changes to UK rules for permanent settlement

Summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out plans to change the requirements for permanent settlement in the UK. According to The Guardian, she has watered down some of last year's immigration proposals after a backlash from Labour backbench MPs and some cabinet colleagues, but the package is still a radical hardening of the rules for people wishing to settle permanently. Under the plans, people on lower incomes will have to wait longer to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR), while people on higher salaries will find it easier.

Timeline

1. BBC

   2 Nov 2026, 18:49 UTCSource ↗

   BBC News reports that the home secretary has set out plans to change the requirements for permanent settlement in the UK.

2. The Guardian

   2 Nov 2026, 19:46 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Shabana Mahmood has watered down some of last year's immigration plans after backlash from Labour MPs and cabinet colleagues, but the package is still a radical hardening of the rules for permanent settlement, with lower-income earners facing longer waits for indefinite leave to remain and higher earners finding it easier.