UK set to tighten rules for permanent residency; Indians likely to bear the brunt
The United Kingdom is poised to introduce tougher regulations on permanent residency for foreign nationals, a move that could particularly impact Indian migrants — the largest cohort of immigrants to the UK in recent years. Under the proposed changes, migrants may have to wait up to 10 years, instead of the current five, before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a status akin to permanent residency.
According to a bloomberg report citing a person familiar with the matter, the proposed reforms are expected to be part of a wider immigration overhaul soon to be announced by the UK Home Office. Though official details remain under wraps, the shift marks a significant tightening of immigration policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s labour government.
ILR grants migrants the right to reside in Britain indefinitely without time restrictions. It provides access to public healthcare, education, and employment opportunities on par with British citizens, and often serves as a stepping stone to full citizenship. Comparatively, it functions similarly to the green card system in the United States.
The potential change could have far-reaching implications for Indian nationals, who formed the largest group of immigrants to the UK in 2023. Data from the office for national statistics revealed that approximately 250,000 Indians arrived in the country last year, primarily for work and study. This figure came despite an overall 10% drop in net migration, underlining the growing Indian presence in Britain.
An estimated 85% of total immigrants to the UK in 2023 originated from outside the European Union, further highlighting the scale of the issue. For many Indian students and skilled professionals hoping to settle in the UK, the extended waiting period for ILR could mean prolonged uncertainty and restricted access to certain benefits and rights.
The move comes amid growing political pressure on the labour government to demonstrate control over immigration. The recent surge in support for the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has rattled the political establishment. In the latest local elections, Reform UK made significant gains, cutting into support bases of both Labour and the conservative opposition.
In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shifted gears, adopting a firmer stance on immigration. In a statement last November, Starmer declared his intention to reduce immigration figures “significantly,” and accused the previous Conservative-led government of failing to deliver on the issue.
This political pivot comes as the UK continues to experience high levels of net migration. Official figures reported a record 906,000 net migrants in the year to june 2023, followed by 728,000 in the year to June 2024. These numbers have fuelled public concern and debate over the sustainability of current immigration policies.
More Read
However, experts have warned that making ILR more difficult to obtain may not address the core issues. Academics cited in the Financial Times argue that such reforms could trap more migrants in a state of precarious legal status, making them vulnerable to exploitation and less likely to integrate into British society — without necessarily reducing overall migration.
A home office spokesperson declined to comment on the specific proposals but confirmed that the forthcoming immigration white paper would outline “a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system.”
As Britain prepares to unveil this significant policy shift, the consequences for Indian nationals — particularly skilled professionals and international students — are likely to be considerable. Many now face the prospect of a decade-long wait before gaining permanent status, a development that may influence their long-term plans and perceptions of the UK as a destination for education and employment.
