British gov't unveils major legal migration overhaul

The British government on Thursday announced what it calls the "biggest overhaul of the legal migration model in 50 years," unveiling sweeping reforms to the country's settlement and immigration rules.

According to the Home Office, the new system will apply to almost two million migrants who have arrived in Britain since 2021. It stressed that the changes "will not apply to those with existing settled status who have made their lives here."

The policy outline sets longer settlement timelines for lower-paid workers, including the 616,000 people and their dependents who came to Britain on health and social care visas between 2022 and 2024. They will face a 15-year baseline before being eligible to settle.

Migrants who rely on state benefits will face a 20-year wait, which is four times the current requirement and the longest period in Europe, while illegal migrants and visa overstayers could wait up to 30 years, said the Home Office.

The policy outline also said migrants who make continuous national insurance contributions will be able to settle after 10 years, "but higher and additional-rate taxpayers will benefit from reduced periods in recognition of their contribution."

Under the current system, settlement is typically granted after five years in the country with few conditions. This includes those who arrive via economic routes, such as Skilled Worker visas, as well as family and humanitarian pathways, according to the government.