UK Government Proposes Doubling Wait Time for Permanent Residency and Citizenship

The UK government announced on Monday a significant overhaul of its immigration policy, proposing to extend the waiting period for migrants to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This change is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing net migration and tightening eligibility criteria for permanent residency and citizenship. Under the new proposals, applicants would also need to demonstrate they have not claimed public benefits or relied on social housing during their time in the UK. Additionally, individuals would be required to prove they are net contributors to the economy and have no criminal record. The reforms are expected to impact a significant number of migrants, particularly those from countries with high levels of immigration to the UK. The government has stated that these changes are intended to ensure that those who remain in the UK have made a positive contribution to society.