The Guardian view on a migration U-turn: it still leaves unfair changes intact
Britain needs migrant workers, yet ministers would make many wait longer for secure settlement because their essential work commands low wages
TL;DR
- Shabana Mahmood has partially retreated on a policy to extend settlement waits for foreign workers.
- New settlement criteria will include tax contributions, English language proficiency, and applicant character.
- The standard qualifying period for settlement will be doubled from five to 10 years for most workers.
- A proposed 15-year qualifying period for workers in non-graduate level occupations has been dropped.
- Care workers who meet certain visa conditions and earn £25,000 or more can still apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years.
- Asylum settlement depends on the entry route, with 'illegal entry' facing much longer waits.
- Critics argue the new policies resemble a 'Gastarbeiter Britain' model, keeping migrant membership conditional.