UK doubles residency requirement to 10 years, impacting Indian immigrants the most

The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced a major overhaul of its immigration policy, significantly tightening the pathway to permanent residency. The most notable change is the extension of the wait time for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 years to 10 years. This policy shift is expected to severely impact Indian nationals, who are the largest group of immigrants to the UK, primarily arriving for education and employment.

Also Read:Priti Patel urges UK-India collaboration against cross-border terror following Pahalgam attack

Under the new rules, immigrants must live in the UK for a full decade before being eligible for permanent settlement, unless they can prove a "Real and lasting contribution" to the country's economy and society. The automatic path to citizenship after five years has been scrapped, and stricter rules have been introduced for skilled worker visas. Applicants will now require a degree-level qualification instead of the previous A-level equivalent.

In addition, the government plans to raise the salary threshold for those wishing to bring dependants and increase the English language requirements for both visa holders and their families. Starmer emphasized that migration will be reduced significantly and warned of further restrictions if needed, signaling a tough stance amidst political pressure from rising right-wing parties.

These reforms mark a significant shift in the UK’s immigration policy, prioritizing long-term contribution and reducing lower-skilled immigration.