The UK government has confirmed tougher rules for obtaining permanent residency, extending the usual qualifying period for people living in the country legally from five years to 10. The changes were confirmed on Monday, November 2, by the government of Andy Burnham, amid criticism from both within the governing party and the opposition.
Applicants will also need a clean criminal record, a good level of English and no overdue tax payments. The new status provides access to social benefits and housing assistance. Higher earners are expected to qualify sooner, while asylum seekers who arrived by small boat will need to have spent at least 20 years in the UK to become eligible.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said permanent residency should no longer be granted automatically, adding that people who contribute to the country would be able to obtain it more quickly. The government says the reform is intended to reduce legal immigration, discourage irregular arrivals and save several billion pounds. Mahmood said the savings would be below the £10 billion figure previously announced.
Sources: Le Monde International.