Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has introduced the toughest immigration controls in Europe. The biggest reforms not seen in half a century have also been made to the legal immigration system. The change in the stance on legal immigration comes days after the announcement of reforms against illegal immigration.
These changes will apply to 2 million migrants who have arrived in the UK This will not affect those who have currently obtained settled status. The changes will affect 2 million migrants who have arrived on Health & Social Care visas since 2021. 616,000 people and their dependents have arrived on this visa between 2022-24. They will have to wait another 15 years to obtain settled status. This visa route was closed this year.
At the same time, the policies have also been focused on providing relief to nurses and doctors working in the NHS. They can settle after completing 5 years. The Royal College of Nursing had previously warned that Britain could lose 50,000 nurses due to the policy changes. This concern has led to the revision of the policy statement.
For the first time, a decision has been made to impose penalties on immigrants who abuse the immigration system. Immigrants who rely on benefits will have to wait 20 years for settlement. Immigrants will also have to become the first British citizens to qualify for benefits and social housing.
This was possible if they received a settlement at present. Illegal immigrants and those who overstay their visas will now have to wait 30 years for settlement. The Home Office says the changes are designed to reward those who follow the rules
