Rayner Criticizes Proposed UK Visa Rule Changes Ahead of Labour Conference

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has expressed concern over proposed changes to UK visa rules that would extend the time it takes for foreign workers to gain permanent residency, calling the plans unfair because they "change the goalposts."

In an interview with The Times ahead of the Labour Party's annual conference, Rayner questioned the plans, which would require most migrants to wait 10 years for residency instead of the current five, and those on health and social care visas to wait 15 years.

Rayner stated that the changes would be "very disruptive" and would impact foreign care workers who have relocated to the UK to care for loved ones. She previously criticized the proposals in June, describing retrospective alterations to rules for migrants already working in the UK as "wrong."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has indicated that a decision on the immigration overhaul is expected by the end of the year. She acknowledged awareness that many individuals who arrived in 2022 would qualify for permanent settlement by February 2027 under current rules, and stated that the government would announce its new policy on settlement, including any transitional arrangements, later this year.

Rayner, who previously served as deputy prime minister under Sir Keir Starmer and was brought back into the cabinet by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, believes Mahmood is aware of her stance. Rayner reiterated that she has "not changed [her] view" since rejoining the cabinet.

Burnham had previously stated he "understood" Rayner's criticisms and that Labour "would do well to listen to what Angela has to say."

Recent pressure has also come from trade unions, which have urged the government to soften the proposals. A letter signed by dozens of Labour MPs earlier this year described the plans as "un-British."

Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, rejected the "un-British" label, emphasizing that the UK has not historically offered automatic citizenship. She stated that the Home Secretary is attempting to balance respect for individuals with the need for a trustworthy immigration system. When asked about the possibility of Labour changing its mind on the proposal, Nandy indicated that the party "always reserve[s] the right to change our minds" but also "to stick to our plans if we think we are getting them right."