Trade unions are actively lobbying the government to soften proposed changes to immigration rules that would extend the waiting period for foreign workers to achieve permanent residency. The proposed legislation, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year and maintained under Prime Prime Minister Andy Burnham, would typically require migrants to wait 10 years for permanent residence, a doubling of the current five-year threshold.
Delegates at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) overwhelmingly supported a motion calling for the withdrawal of any changes that would affect workers already in the UK. A government spokesperson indicated that approximately 200,000 responses were received during a consultation period launched under the previous Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and these are under careful review.
Mahmood has previously defended the proposals, citing the "unprecedented" number of arrivals into the UK as a reason for governmental action. Beyond the general increase to a 10-year wait for indefinite leave to remain, specific groups would face longer periods. Those arriving on health and social care visas could wait 15 years, while individuals who have relied on benefits for over a year would face a 20-year wait. Indefinite leave to remain grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and allows them to apply for eligible benefits.
These changes would apply to individuals already residing in the UK who have not yet secured permanent status, potentially impacting those expecting to achieve it in the near future.
The union Unison described the plans as "sweeping attacks on migrant workers which render them second-class citizens." Senior vice president Debbie Rowden argued that the proposed changes risk driving away essential international staff, particularly in sectors facing shortages like social care. She highlighted a discrepancy where bankers might have a three-year route to settlement, while social care workers and other public service roles, including nurses and healthcare assistants, would face a 15-year wait. "What does this say about how public service workers are valued?" Rowden questioned, contrasting the treatment of public service employees with that of bankers.
The Society of Radiographers supported the motion, noting that international technicians have been crucial in filling gaps within the NHS workforce. However, they reported a 12% decrease, totaling over 1,500 individuals, in the number of international technicians between January and March of this year, attributing the decline to shifts in settlement policies.
The motion, which advocated for maintaining the existing five-year route to settlement for workers, was passed unanimously by TUC delegates.