Home Secretary signals possible retreat on contested migrant settlement reforms

At the Labour party conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted that her ‘earned settlement’ scheme - which would raise the waiting period for foreign workers from five to up to fifteen years before they can claim indefinite leave to remain - has been labelled ‘not fair.’ She pledged to reach a compromise that treats legal migrants and British workers equitably, although insiders say a definitive decision is still pending and expected in the autumn.

The proposal triggered a protest outside the event in Liverpool, led by Unison General Secretary Andrea Egan, who warned that the rules would turn migrant care workers into second-class citizens and embolden the far right. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner also criticised the move as disruptive to those already caring for vulnerable people. Former immigration minister Mike Tapp urged an exemption for foreign care workers and the creation of a sponsor system to prevent exploitation. The debate underscores growing tensions over immigration policy and labour market needs.