Refugees will have to spend longer in the UK before they can apply for permanent residency, under new reforms the government is preparing to introduce. The current five-year route to indefinite leave to remain will be extended, with ministers insisting that settlement must be “earned” through contribution. At the same time, the temporary suspension of automatic family reunion rights for refugees has been made permanent, marking a major shift in asylum policy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking ahead of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, said the reforms showed there would be “no golden ticket” to settlement. The changes will mirror rules being brought in for workers and other migrants, many of whom will now wait up to a decade before qualifying for permanent status. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also confirmed that stricter conditions will apply, including high English language standards, clean criminal records, and evidence of community involvement.
Critics, including the Refugee Council, argue the measures will do little to deter irregular migration and instead drive more people towards dangerous crossings and smugglers. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp dismissed the reforms as a “gimmick”, while charities warned of risks to family unity and integration.
The reforms form part of Labour’s wider effort to reduce small boat crossings, which remain high despite promises to “end the chaos”. Ministers say the changes will bring the UK closer to European approaches, ensuring the system is “fair but firm” while maintaining core protection for those granted asylum.
