A significant immigration crackdown is being softened, with the Home Office poised to exempt tens of thousands of foreign care workers and their families from rules that would extend their wait for permanent residency to ten years. This change comes amidst internal political maneuvering and a public dispute between Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and her junior minister, Mike Tapp.
The proposed exemption, which could have long-term financial implications for the taxpayer, is reportedly being considered as ministers attempt to impress Andy Burnham, who is seen as a potential future leader of the Labour Party. Ms. Mahmood is said to be considered for a prominent role in a potential Burnham administration.
The information regarding the softening of the crackdown was revealed in an unauthorized newspaper article by Mr. Tapp, who Ms. Mahmood is attempting to remove from his position for disloyalty. Sources within the Home Office suggest Mr. Tapp presented the idea as his own to gain favor with Mr. Burnham, who has expressed reservations about applying new immigration rules retrospectively to individuals already in the UK.
In a complication for the Home Office, Labour leader Keir Starmer has refused Ms. Mahmood's request to dismiss Mr. Tapp, highlighting internal party disarray. Ms. Mahmood subsequently took steps to exclude Mr. Tapp from departmental documents and meetings. Mr. Tapp, however, publicly stated he would not be intimidated, referencing his military service.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the potential watering down of the plans, stating that temporary workers should not gain permanent residency unless in high-wage jobs. He challenged Mr. Burnham to resist pressure from what he described as "Left-wing, open-borders MPs."
The immigration rules in question were part of an announcement made last year by Ms. Mahmood, which would double the residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. The intention was to apply this change retrospectively to prevent a surge in applications from migrants who arrived after the pandemic. This plan faced backlash, with Angela Rayner calling it "un-British" and Mr. Burnham suggesting it could leave many people in limbo.
Mr. Tapp's article indicated that the Home Office was considering exemptions for a group of over 600,000 people who arrived on the health and care visa route. In the post-pandemic period, foreign care workers were permitted to bring dependents. In 2023 alone, 100,000 care workers arrived, accompanied by 120,000 dependents. Home Office estimates suggest that without changes, around 200,000 of these individuals might apply for permanent settlement by the end of the decade, potentially costing the taxpayer over £100,000 each over their lifetimes, totaling an estimated £20 billion.
Mr. Tapp stated in his article that he was working to develop an approach other than a blanket retrospective extension. A Home Office source claimed he had taken ongoing policy ideas and presented them as his own. Downing Street has stated that Mr. Tapp has been reminded of his obligations under the Ministerial Code, including collective responsibility and procedures for presenting government policy.
Mr. Tapp has since apologized for his reference to the Taliban, stating he has respect for the Home Secretary. The dispute has also illuminated broader tensions within the Labour leadership, with reports of a breakdown in trust between Sir Keir Starmer and Ms. Mahmood.
Mama Mahmood is expected to present her Immigration and Asylum Bill to Parliament this week.