In a major shift in Britain’s immigration policy, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced that migrants must earn the right to live permanently in the UK through stronger contribution and integration. The new rules aim to make settlement harder for many newcomers, though they stop short of applying to those already in the country.
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What’s Changing?

Under the proposed changes, simply spending time in Britain will not guarantee permanent residence. Mahmood declared:

“Time spent in this country alone is not enough. You must earn the right to live in this country.”
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Some of the major new requirements for migrants seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) include:

High English proficiency — migrants will need strong language skills.
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Clean criminal record — serious offences could disqualify applicants.
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Community volunteering — migrants will be asked to “give back” by contributing to local life.
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Economic contribution — they must be working, paying National Insurance, and not be net claimants of benefits.
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Longer wait for settlement — under the proposals, applicants may need to wait ten years instead of five before applying for ILR.
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These steps, Mahmood says, reflect a more balanced system where migration is allowed, but rights are earned through active participation and responsible behavior.
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Who Is Affected — and Who Isn’t

Mahmood made clear that existing migrants who already hold certain statuses will not be subject to the harsher rules.
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The new conditions are intended to apply to future applicants.
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This means that people who arrived earlier under older rules, or who already have strong ties, may be shielded from the most severe changes.
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Why Mahmood Is Pushing This

Mahmood said Britain needs to “restore order and control” over its borders.
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She is under pressure from public fears about immigration and from political opponents pushing hardline policies.
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She is also distancing her proposals from far more radical plans, such as those that would strip permanent residence from current migrants or remove ILR entirely.
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Her approach frames migration as a privilege, not a right — one that must be justified by service, work, language, and good conduct.
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Possible Issues & Criticism

Not everyone agrees with Mahmood’s direction. Some critics say the new rules could unfairly penalize vulnerable people or those who, for reasons beyond their control, struggle with language or community volunteering.
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Charities and non-profit groups have urged restraint, warning that refugees or newcomers may be unfairly judged or denied rights even when deserving.
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Others question how the “volunteering” requirement would be verified, and whether paperwork or bureaucracy will trap people in limbo.
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There is also concern about the impact on sectors that rely on migrant labor — health, care, hospitality — which could face staff shortages if migration gets more restrictive.
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What Comes Next?

A public consultation on these proposals will be launched later this year, giving people, experts, and civil society groups a chance to comment and influence final design.
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If adopted, the changes could shift how immigration works in the UK for years to come — making settlement harder, but also ensuring those who stay are better integrated and contributing.

Conclusion

Shabana Mahmood’s new policy marks a notable tightening of immigration rules. By requiring migrants to “earn the right” to live permanently, the government signals a shift from passive acceptance toward active evaluation. While the changes may resonate with voters wary of unchecked immigration, their success will depend on fairness, clarity, and how well they balance security with compassion. The road ahead will test whether Britain can manage migration without losing its values.