UK Home Secretary Poised to Soften Migrant Residency Rules Amid Criticism

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly planning to revise her proposed migrant crackdown, potentially exempting around half a million migrant social care workers from significantly extended new residency rules. The changes, expected to be announced next week in Parliament, could allow these workers to avoid a new right-to-remain requirement that would have extended the wait for permanent settlement to up to 15 years.

The proposed softening of the rules follows considerable criticism from within Mahmood's own party, including from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, who has described some of the planned immigration measures as "un-British." The Prime Minister also declined to publicly endorse Mahmood's plans during a recent television interview. Trade unions have also actively lobbied for the rules to be diluted, citing concerns about the potential impact on the social care workforce.

Mahmood had initially considered extending the wait for permanent residency from the current five years to 10 years, with some lower-paid workers facing even longer periods. This move was reportedly driven by concerns over the increasing number of individuals eligible for indefinite leave to remain, a status that allows recipients to live, work, study, and apply for benefits in the UK. The government's consultation on these immigration proposals received over 200,000 responses, indicating significant public interest and concern.

Migrant workers are a substantial part of the adult social care sector, making up over a third of roles. According to the Work Rights Centre, migrant workers constitute 32% of the 1.59 million care worker roles, with approximately 430,000 being non-EU nationals. Rayner has argued that changing rules for those who have already come to the UK in good faith is contrary to British values.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also called for Mahmood to modify her reforms, emphasizing the need for both contribution from immigrants and compassion. Meanwhile, it is anticipated that under the revised rules, most workers would still need to reside and work in the UK for ten years to be eligible for permanent settlement, though this period might be reduced for those with higher incomes or who contribute significantly to their communities.

Previously, the opposition had criticized Mahmood for yielding to pressure from figures like Rayner and other party members advocating for more lenient immigration policies. A Conservative spokesman commented last month that such a move would be "a slap in the face to British taxpayers who will have to subsidise low-skilled, low wage migrants."