UK Government Considers Stricter Rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain

Proposed reforms aim to address economic concerns and housing pressures linked to high migration levels.

The UK government is reviewing policies for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), considering extending qualification periods and excluding migrants who have not worked, claimed benefits, or have criminal records.
Migration levels have surged since the introduction of the post-Brexit visa regime in 2021, with a net 906,000 migrants arriving in 2023, raising concerns about public services and infrastructure, particularly housing and the NHS.
Only 12% of visas issued between 2021 and 2023 were for skilled workers, with a significant portion of migrants entering low-paid health and social care roles, prompting debates about their economic contributions.
The Office for National Statistics projects net migration to stabilize at 340,000 annually after 2028, potentially increasing the UK's population by nearly five million by 2032.
Critics argue that the UK must balance the benefits of migration, such as bolstering the workforce, with the challenges of integration and public service strain, while retaining skilled domestic talent.