British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday morning a significant shift in the country’s immigration policies, revealing that the residency period required to obtain permanent settlement in the UK would be extended from five years to ten years.

This move is part of a broader package of measures aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring that migrants make a strong economic contribution to the country.

In addition to extending the residency period, the Labour government is also raising the skill thresholds for migrant workers. Under the new guidelines, migrants will be required to hold higher educational qualifications and meet stricter English language proficiency standards in order to be eligible for settlement.

"When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language," Starmer said during his announcement. "And our system should actively distinguish between those that do and those that don't. I think that's fair."

Starmer pointed to the current situation where fewer migrants are making a substantial economic contribution. He emphasized that the government would take a more selective approach to migration, ensuring that it aligns with the national interest.

Migration Policy Shifts Reflect Broader Strategic Change

When asked by local media about the potential political backlash of requiring migrants to live in the UK twice as long before becoming eligible for citizenship, Starmer defended the policy, stating, “The theory that higher migration numbers lead to growth has been tested in the last four years.” He added, “That link doesn’t hold on that evidence.”

Historically, the Labour Party has been seen as more open to immigration. However, since losing power in 2010, the party has recalibrated its position on migration, shifting towards a stricter stance that prioritizes integration and economic contributions from newcomers.

Starmer’s announcement is seen as part of a broader effort to fulfill promises made by the government to "take back control" of immigration, a slogan associated with Brexit, by further tightening the rules around who is allowed to enter and stay in the UK. (ILKHA)