The UK government plans to introduce stricter requirements for migrants applying for permanent settlement, with new conditions linked to language skills, community involvement, and time spent in the country.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, will explain changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in her speech at the Labour Party conference, according to BBC.
Under the plan, migrants will need to show they have integrated into society and made contributions before they can stay in the UK permanently.
Currently, most migrants can apply for ILR after five years of lawful residence in the UK. Labour intends to double this period to 10 years. In addition to a longer residency requirement, applicants would need to demonstrate a high standard of English, a clean criminal record, and active involvement in their communities, including volunteering.
Ministers say the policy is meant to ensure that those who settle in the UK are fully contributing to society. Further criteria under consideration include sustained National Insurance contributions and not claiming public benefits.
A public consultation on the proposals began in May as part of Labour’s broader immigration review.
Differing Approaches Between Labour and Reform UK
Labour has positioned its policy as an alternative to Reform UK’s more restrictive proposals. Reform UK has stated it would abolish ILR entirely and require all migrants, including those who already hold permanent status, to reapply for five-year visas repeatedly.
UK’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, criticised this proposal in an interview with the BBC, calling it “racist” and “immoral.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinforced this stance, stating: “People who are here illegally should be sent home, but it is quite a different thing to deport those who are living and working in the UK legally.”
In response, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Labour’s position reflected a lack of commitment to border control and described the Prime Minister’s comments as a “desperate attack.” Reform UK’s policy head, Zia Yusuf, told BBC Breakfast that the public has “legitimate concerns about immigration” and questioned the fairness of Labour’s criticism.
Integration to Be Key Measure
The government says future ILR applicants will need to show evidence of contributing to their communities. This could include volunteering, work history, and civic engagement. Labour also plans to offer early settlement to certain migrants with skills or track records that are considered of high value to the UK economy or public services.
Mahmood is expected to draw on personal experience in her speech, referring to her parents’ migration story and her own upbringing working in a family shop. She will argue that successful migration depends on active participation in local life and meeting shared obligations.
New Measures to Address Retail Crime
In addition to immigration changes, Mahmood will announce a “winter of action” to tackle shoplifting across the country. The initiative will involve police forces working with local businesses to reduce retail theft, which Labour says affects community safety and confidence.
The party’s message at the conference centres on distinguishing itself from right-wing alternatives. Mahmood will caution party members that failure to deliver may push voters toward parties like Reform UK, stating, “If we do not succeed, working people will turn away from us.”