Britain is preparing to tighten rules for migrants seeking permanent residency, in a move Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce at the Labour Party conference. The proposed reforms aim to ensure that only those who contribute positively to society can secure “indefinite leave to remain,” a status that allows migrants to live permanently in the country.
Currently, most migrants can apply for permanent residency after five years of living in Britain. Under the new proposals, applicants would need to demonstrate that they have paid social security contributions, maintained a clean criminal record, and refrained from claiming state benefits.
Mahmood will also outline plans to raise language requirements, insisting that migrants prove a high standard of English proficiency. Additionally, applicants may need to provide evidence of volunteering or active participation in their communities, showcasing their value beyond economic contribution.
A public consultation on the proposals will be launched later this year, offering stakeholders and the public an opportunity to provide feedback before any policy is finalized.
The announcement comes as Labour faces mounting pressure from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has gained traction with its tough stance on immigration. Reform UK recently suggested scrapping “indefinite leave to remain” altogether, replacing it with a five-year renewable work visa system.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushed back on Reform’s proposals, accusing the party of promoting “racist policies” that risk dividing the country. Still, the Labour government has been compelled to demonstrate firmer control of immigration, an issue that has dominated political debate in Britain for years.
Immigration played a central role in the 2016 Brexit referendum, where calls for stronger border controls swayed many voters. Despite leaving the European Union, Britain has continued to see record net migration, fueling public concern and shaping policy priorities.
By tightening residency rules, Labour hopes to balance fairness with control, ensuring migrants who settle in Britain can fully integrate and contribute to society.
