Shabana Mahmood has set out revised proposals for the UK's legal migration system, softening plans that would have forced low-paid workers to wait 15 years before settlement. The changes follow a backlash from fellow cabinet ministers and backbench Labour MPs.
Revised Settlement Timelines
Under the new policy, up to 300,000 people would be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years. The original proposal had faced criticism, particularly from health unions, who pushed for an exception for care workers.
The home secretary addressed the Commons to outline the updated approach, which responds to pressure from health unions to make an exception for care workers.
Response to Pressure
The softening of the plans comes after significant opposition from within the government and the Labour party. The original 15-year wait for settlement had been a point of contention, leading to the revised timeline.
The changes are part of a broader effort to balance immigration control with the needs of the care sector, which has been a major employer of migrant workers.
