The United Kingdom has experienced a significant increase in migrants applying for permanent settlement and citizenship ahead of upcoming government reforms that will tighten residency requirements.

Government data indicates a surge in applications following announcements by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who revealed plans to extend the waiting period for migrants to gain indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. This change would delay migrants' ability to live, work, and study in the UK permanently.

According to the Home Office, 199,628 people were granted settlement in the year through June 2026, marking a 24% rise from the previous year and the highest figure since 2010. Most individuals granted indefinite leave to remain become eligible to apply for citizenship after 12 months. During the same period, 245,520 people were granted British citizenship, while citizenship applications reached a record high of 315,224, a 17% increase. However, refusals of citizenship applications also rose by 44%.

The proposed reforms have sparked controversy within the governing Labour Party. The government is consulting on the stricter settlement rules, and new Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure from Labour MPs to reconsider advancing the changes initially announced under his predecessor, Keir Starmer.

Sources

South China Morning Post World, Bloomberg Read more