UK doubles wait for permanent residency, with care worker exemptions

The United Kingdom has revised its immigration rules, requiring most foreign workers to wait 10 years for permanent residency, up from 5 years. Refugees arriving on 'small boats' may now wait up to 30 years for settlement.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the changes in Parliament, stating that hundreds of thousands of care workers will be exempt from the new rules. These workers can apply for permanent residency after 5 years if they meet visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 annually.

The new rules, effective next year, tie permanent residency eligibility to income. Those earning over £50,000 can apply after 5 years, while those earning over £125,000 can apply after 3 years. All others will be placed on the 10-year path.

The rules apply retroactively to workers already in the UK. Mahmood emphasized that settlement should be 'earned' and linked to contributions, stating that those who contribute most will settle faster, while those who 'don’t play by the rules' will be refused or wait longer.

Refugees arriving through the government’s 'safe and legal routes' can apply for permanent residency after 5 years. Other refugees will wait 20 years, reduced to 10 years if they work or study. Refugees arriving by 'illegal methods' could wait up to 30 years.

Additional criteria for permanent residency include no criminal record, proficiency in English, no outstanding government debt, and at least three years of national insurance contributions. The government estimates that half a million people will settle later than previously expected, saving billions in benefits.