The British government has announced major changes to immigration laws, extending the period required for most immigrants to obtain permanent residency—known as ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ (ILR)—from five to 10 years.
Announcing the new system, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that when considering applications for permanent residency, factors such as an applicant’s economic contributions, integration into British society, proficiency in the English language, and compliance with immigration laws will be taken into account.
Under the new system, certain individuals with an annual income exceeding £125,141 may become eligible for permanent residency within three years, while a five-year qualifying period will be maintained for eligible medical staff and certain social care workers.
Conversely, for some individuals working in low-skilled sectors, the period required for permanent residency could extend to 15 years; those who arrived in the UK through illegal means may face an even longer wait.
These changes may also affect Pakistani citizens working in the UK—particularly those employed within the National Health Service (NHS), the social care sector, and the business sector. However, the extent to which these new rules will apply to immigrants already residing in the UK—especially those nearing the completion of the existing five-year qualifying period—will depend on the government’s transitional arrangements and final regulations.
The British government maintains that the right to permanent residency should be granted based on economic contributions and integration into British society.
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