Nigerians and other migrants already living in the UK will be affected by a new government policy that extends the minimum period required for permanent settlement from five to 10 years, according to recent announcements.
According to BBC News, the UK government confirmed this week that the extended qualifying period will not only apply to new visa applicants but also to those who have already arrived in the country.
Policy Change and Public Consultation
The new rule, announced on Monday, means most migrants will need to live in the UK for a decade before applying for indefinite leave to remain. This is a shift from the current five-year pathway that many foreign workers and their families had been planning their futures around.
A policy document, expected to be published soon, will confirm that these changes are intended to apply retrospectively. The government has said this plan will be subject to public consultation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed concern that under the current system, there would be a sharp increase in settlement and citizenship applications due to the post-2020 rise in immigration numbers.
Exceptions and Clarifications
Reports cite that not all groups will be affected equally. The five-year pathway will remain for non-UK dependents of British citizens. In addition, shorter settlement routes may be available for migrants who demonstrate significant contributions to the UK economy and society.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said during a speech that the new rules aim to ensure that “settlement becomes a privilege that is earned, not a right,” and added that the process would be easier for those who contribute through work and taxes.
Concerns Raised by Affected Migrants and MPs
Some Labour MPs have expressed concern about the retrospective nature of the changes. Florence Eshalomi, chair of the Commons housing, communities and local government committee, said several constituents were anxious, as one had told her they were thinking about leaving the UK because they feared their settled status was at risk.
A migrant named Isa, who arrived in the UK with his wife three years ago, said the proposed change “felt like fraud” and “a betrayal.” Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Isa said, “We had other options as well – we came here with the promise of settlement status here.”
He said the couple, who both work in the tech sector, had planned their lives around becoming settled in the UK under the current rules.
He added that such uncertainty might discourage other skilled migrants from coming to the UK and suggested that international companies may reconsider operating in the UK if visa and settlement policies become less predictable.
Analysis and Reactions from Migration Groups
The Migration Observatory stated that the UK’s proposed 10-year route would make it more restrictive than most high-income countries, though similar to Switzerland and Japan. While the change is not expected to reduce migration levels significantly, it could increase visa fee revenue and prolong the period during which migrants lack permanent rights.
Permanent settlement provides a range of rights, including long-term residency, access to public funds, and the ability to apply for British citizenship.
Enny Choudhury, co-legal director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, criticised the change as harmful.
“These are our neighbours and friends. They’ve already built their lives in the UK, and moving the goalposts now will plunge many into deeper debt, uncertainty and trauma,” he said.
He added that a fair immigration system should include a clear and affordable path to settlement. Further details about the policy and its implementation are expected to be released later in the year.
