UK doubles permanent residency waiting period to 10 years - Sarmad
British government raises permanent residency waiting period to 10 years with faster tracks for high-income earners
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
The British government announced on Monday that it will extend the waiting period for permanent residency to 10 years for many migrants arriving on work visas, while providing faster pathways for high-income earners and workers in essential sectors.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes, scheduled to take effect by 2027, aim to tie permanent residency to migrants’ contributions to the UK, according to The Associated Press.
Under the announced changes, individuals earning an annual salary of at least £50,000 (approximately $67,000) will be able to apply for permanent residency after five years.
The same five-year period will apply to public sector workers, including doctors, nurses, and teachers.
Those earning more than £125,000 annually will be able to apply for permanent residency after just three years.
Defending the changes before lawmakers, Mahmood argued that they would restore fairness to the immigration system.
She noted that her parents migrated from Pakistan about half a century ago, emphasizing her responsibility to ensure that the immigration system adheres to the values of fairness she said underpin Britain.
