UK: Government May Soften Settlement Rules, Care Workers Already in Britain Could Keep Five-Year Route
The UK government is considering softening its controversial indefinite leave to remain (ILR) reforms so that social care workers already living in Britain could be spared a proposed 15-year wait for permanent settlement, the BBC reported on October 31. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce changes during the week beginning November 2. The exemption has not been formally confirmed, and it remains unclear whether all eligible care workers would retain the existing five-year route.
The proposals form part of the Labour government's earned-settlement system, under which migrants would have to demonstrate sustained contributions before qualifying for permanent residence. Under plans published by the Home Office in November 2025, the standard qualifying period for many migrants would double from five to 10 years, and certain lower-paid workers, particularly those sponsored for jobs below degree level, could face a 15-year period. The government originally proposed applying the changes to migrants already in Britain who had not received ILR.
Critics argue that extending the waiting period after people have already moved would undermine long-term plans and create uncertainty for families and employers. Angela Rayner has been among the most prominent critics, previously describing retrospective changes affecting existing care workers as un-British. Britain continues to depend on overseas workers in adult social care, and ministers must balance reducing long-term migration with recruitment, retention and stability in services supporting older and vulnerable people.
For workers who entered through the Health and Care Worker visa route from 2022 onwards, the decision could determine when they become eligible to live and work permanently without further sponsorship: a care worker who began a qualifying route in July 2022 could apply in 2027 under the five-year system, but in 2032 under a 10-year period or 2037 under a 15-year requirement.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 照片：长者护理之家（资料图），Jacek Halicki 摄，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0 授权 / Photo: a care home for seniors, by Jacek Halicki, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
