Labour Plans Stricter Rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain
Labour has announced plans to tighten the requirements for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, Shabana Mahmood, outlined Labour’s plans, which aim to introduce tougher requirements for people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Under these changes, applicants would need to be employed, contributing through national insurance, and not reliant on benefits. They would also be required to demonstrate a stronger command of the English language, maintain a clean criminal record, and show they are contributing to their communities, such as through volunteering.
Labour is also exploring the idea of changing the time requirement before someone can apply for ILR. Currently, most applicants become eligible after five years of lawful residence, but Labour may consider extending this period to up to ten years. However, they suggest the timeline could be flexible depending on the individuals’ contributions to the UK, which implies a move toward a more merit-based system.
Crucially, Labour is distancing itself from the more extreme proposals from parties such as Reform UK. While Reform has called for the deportation of individuals who hold ILR but have not become British citizens, Labour rejects this approach. Instead, they maintain that people who have lived and contributed to the UK under existing rules will not face removal, even if they have not obtained British citizenship.
By : Hanna Barzinj