Mahmood defends immigration reforms amid Labour opposition

"Shabana Mahmood said a "very large number of people" arriving in the UK in an "unprecedented way" in recent years does "demand an answer" from the government. Ministers want to double the time it takes most migrant workers to qualify for permanent residence from five years to 10 years. But around 40 Labour MPs have raised concerns about the impact of the proposals on migrants already living here, describing the retrospective approach as "un-British" and "moving the goalposts"."

"Settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain, gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like and apply for benefits if they are eligible. The Home Office has said its figures show net migration - the difference between those entering and leaving the country - added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024. The department has forecast around 1.6m people could therefore settle between 2026 and 2030."

"The consultation, which closes on 12 February, has sought views on possible transitional arrangements for people already on a route to settlement. The changes would not apply to people who have already obtained settlement. Mahmood, appearing before MPs at the Home Affairs Committee, said settlement in the UK is a "privilege not a right" and it would be "odd" for the UK not to seek to attract the "brightest and best" people to work in the country."

Ministers propose extending the standard qualifying period for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) from five years to ten years, with criteria that could shorten or lengthen the period. The Home Office reports net migration added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024 and forecasts about 1.6 million could settle between 2026 and 2030. Around 40 Labour MPs have expressed concern that retrospective changes could harm migrants already in the UK and worsen skills shortages, particularly in care. The consultation on transitional arrangements closes on 12 February; changes would not affect those who already hold settlement.

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