UK Extends Migrant Settlement Wait to 10 Years | JQJO

The UK government plans to extend the waiting period for permanent settlement to 10 years, impacting both new and existing migrants. This change, affecting roughly 1.5 million individuals who arrived since 2020, aims to curb legal migration, currently at record highs. While exceptions exist for British citizen dependents and those contributing significantly to the economy, concerns have been raised by MPs and charities about the impact on those already in the UK. The government will consult publicly before finalizing the policy, which will generate increased visa fees but could negatively impact migrants' lives and financial stability.