Overview

• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined plans at the Labour conference to make indefinite leave to remain contingent on employment, no benefit claims, National Insurance contributions, community volunteering, a clean criminal record and higher English proficiency.
• The government said it will consult on the proposed changes later this year before any measures are finalized.
• The proposals cover applicants for permanent residence, which currently includes people on family routes after five years or anyone who has lived lawfully in the UK for 10 years.
• Labour cast the shift as a clear contrast to Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain and force five‑year visa renewals, a plan Keir Starmer denounced as racist and immoral.
• Refugee and migrant organisations, including the Refugee Council and Praxis, warned the measures would punish refugees and create a two‑tier society.