Migrants wishing to stay in the UK will now face stricter regulations, including a requirement to attain a high level of proficiency in English, as revealed by Shabana Mahmood. These changes are part of the proposed adjustments announced by the Home Secretary during her first major address at the Labour party conference.
The proposed alterations aim to revamp the criteria for indefinite leave to remain, a status that permits migrants to reside and work freely in the UK and serves as the primary pathway to citizenship. Among the suggestions is linking indefinite leave to remain to maintaining a clean criminal record, engaging in community volunteer work, and paying National Insurance contributions. A consultation on these revisions is scheduled to kick off later this year.
Labour has emphasized the distinction between the government’s proposals and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s stance to eliminate settled status for non-EU migrants, a policy criticized by Keir Starmer as discriminatory and unethical. In her speech, Ms. Mahmood is anticipated to express concerns about the transformation of patriotism into a more narrow form of ethno-nationalism. She will assert that stringent border security, fair migration policies, and safe communities are crucial elements of an inclusive, compassionate, and open society. Additionally, she will caution party members that her decisions may not always align with their preferences.
Reflecting on her parents’ immigration experience, Ms. Mahmood will argue that the acceptance of migrants hinges on their contributions to local communities. The proposed adjustments could make “indefinite leave to remain” contingent on factors such as National Insurance payments, a clean criminal record, no reliance on benefits, and participation in community volunteering. The government intends to solicit feedback on these changes within the year.
