Can Government immigration reforms deliver results without unintended consequences?
As part of its strategy to reduce net migration, the Government has set out plans to make major changes to the eligibility rules for settled status, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Meeting details
The baseline qualifying period for an immigrant to receive settled status will increase from 5 years to 10. People granted refugee status after applying for asylum would have a 20-year route for settlement, with potential reductions by moving to work or study routes.
The proposals include reduced waiting times for settlement based on knowledge of English, taxable income, employment in public service, or volunteering in the community. Receiving benefits, entering the UK illegally, or arriving on visit visa could lead to longer waits for settled status. These proposals are under consultation.
In this session, the Home Affairs Committee will examine whether the proposals will be successful in delivering the Government’s aims of reducing the number of people settling in the UK, and linking settlement with the long-term contribution immigrants make to the UK. It will examine what the changes mean for low to medium skilled workers, in particular in the care sector and other industries with worker shortages. The Committee will also examine the particular impacts the changes could have on children and young people. With the changes likely to impact those currently on an existing immigration route, the session will examine if transitional measures are necessary for implementing the reforms.