Statement on this Government's Immigration Reform

2 November 2026

Stronger immigration controls. Fairness for those who play by the rules.

I back the Home Secretary’s announcement. People rightly expect the Government to control our borders, tackle abuse and ensure that permanent settlement in Britain is earned.

Refugees entering illegally, including by small boat, will face a 30 year wait for permanent settlement, reduced by ten years through work or study. Other refugees arriving outside safe and legal routes will face a 20 year wait, also reducible by ten years. Those arriving through new safe and legal routes will have a five year route. Protection will continue for those who genuinely need it.

For most legal migrants, the standard wait will double from five to ten years. Settlement will depend on speaking English to a high standard, meeting criminal record requirements, paying National Insurance for at least three years and having no unpaid debts to the taxpayer.

Those who break immigration rules will have a 20 year wait. Anyone who has claimed benefits will need five continuous years without claiming before applying.

Doctors, nurses, teachers and other qualifying professionals will retain a five year route, alongside those earning over £50,000. Those earning over £125,000 will have a three year route, with faster routes for the highest talent.

Fairness also means honouring the contribution of those we asked to come here. Care workers who joined the route before May 2025 and met their visa conditions, including earning £25,000 a year, will keep their five year route.

Those who have not met the conditions will be offered another five year care visa and help to find legitimate work. Workers will have more time to move away from rogue employers and meet the requirements for settlement. Similar arrangements will cover qualifying healthcare and education support workers who joined before May 2025.

The Government has also announced the removal of sponsor licences from 1,800 exploitative employers and is taking forward a fair pay agreement in social care.

Existing arrangements will remain for groups including Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas), armed forces personnel, those with qualifying British connections and people on Windrush and other legacy routes.

The Government estimates these changes will save billions in future benefit spending, with a full impact assessment to follow.

As a former care worker, I know contribution means more than the size of your salary. Looking after our elderly, teaching our children and caring for patients matter to this country.

This is what Labour stands for, control of our borders, responsibility from those who come here and fair treatment for those who play their part.

Preet Kaur Gill MP