Immigration Minister Shortens Wait Times for Care Workers After Cabinet Pushback

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has shortened the waiting period for permanent residence for many low-paid workers in the United Kingdom.

The change follows strong opposition from cabinet colleagues and backbench Labour MPs who argued the initial proposal was too harsh. The revised plan allows up to 300,000 people to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years. This group includes care workers earning more than £25,000. Previously, these workers were scheduled to wait 15 years.

The Home Office published its response to the consultation on Monday. It stated that workers in occupations below the RQF6 level will no longer face the 15-year pathway. Instead, they will qualify through a ten-year pathway if they meet strengthened minimum requirements. An accelerated pathway is available for those who demonstrate the required contribution. The document estimates 146,000 care workers and 136,000 dependants will use the new five-year route.

Approximately 100,000 skilled workers, including butchers and chefs, will face a ten-year wait. Those who arrive in breach of immigration rules must wait a minimum of 20 years. High earners making over £125,000 can settle within three years. Workers earning more than £50,271, along with doctors, nurses, and teachers, can apply after five years.

Refugees face the most stringent requirements. Those who arrive by small boat and rely on public funds must wait at least 30 years. Refugees entering through legal routes, such as the scheme for Afghan women and Palestinians, are exempt from this specific rule. Legally arrived refugees who claim asylum will wait up to 20 years, though this may drop to 10 years if they enter sustained work or study.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and London Mayor Sadiq Khan pushed back against the earlier plans. Rayner called the 15-year wait for care workers un-British in June. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the plans would have been tough for her family in September. The Home Office has granted about 200,000 health and care worker visas in the last five years.

The Institute for Public Policy Research reported that skilled migrants due to settle under current rules are expected to contribute a net lifetime of about £115bn in taxes. The Home Office met with union general secretaries on Monday to finalize details. Mahmood previously described permanent settlement as a privilege that must be earned.