United Kingdom doubles settlement waiting time for foreign workers to ten years
The British government has introduced a new immigration policy that extends the waiting period for foreign workers seeking permanent settlement from five to ten years.
FTMQ World, written by our newsroom0 views
The British government announced new immigration rules on November 2, 2026, introducing an earned settlement model for foreign workers. Euronews reported that the policy doubles the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom from five years to ten years for most workers. Indefinite leave to remain grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the country permanently. [1]
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the changes to the qualifying period, according to Euronews. The updated regulations will allow high earners to qualify for permanent settlement within three years. [1]
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the country had lost control of immigration following Brexit, Euronews reported. Prime Minister Burnham expressed full support for the Home Secretary, stating that she is gripping the problem. [1]
In short
- The United Kingdom is doubling the waiting period for foreign workers to achieve indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years.
- High earners will remain eligible to obtain permanent settlement within three years under the new rules.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the United Kingdom lost control of immigration after Brexit.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]British government sets out tougher rules for migrants looking to settle in the UKEuronews Election News, 4h ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]2026 in United Kingdom politics and government on Wikipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 2 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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