Migrants in UK May Need to Contribute or Face Removal, Home Secretary Signals

Published: 29 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In a landmark address at the Labour party conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined proposals that could fundamentally change the path to permanent settlement in the United Kingdom for migrants. Under the new plans, migrants’ eligibility for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would increasingly depend on their contributions to society, both economically and socially, rather than merely the length of residence.

According to Mahmood, individuals seeking ILR will need to demonstrate that they are self-sufficient, refrain from claiming benefits, maintain a clean criminal record, participate in voluntary or community work, and achieve a high standard of English. The proposals also aim to extend the qualifying period for ILR from the current five years to ten, except for those making an exceptional contribution to the country, whether through financial means or voluntary service.

A points-based system is expected to measure contributions across various categories. Migrants who fail to meet the requirements could face extended waits for ILR, while those relying heavily on benefits or committing criminal offenses risk being required to leave the UK upon the expiration of their current visas. Mahmood stressed that settlement must be “earned” rather than automatically granted based on residence alone.

“Some, based on their contribution or skills, could earn earlier settlement,” a source close to the Home Secretary said. “Others, who have made a lesser contribution, will only earn leave to remain later, or not at all.” Mahmood added, “We are looking at how to ensure that long-term settlement is linked not just to your job or salary, but also the wider contribution you are making to our communities.”

The proposals are seen as a counter to recent plans by Nigel Farage and his Reform party, which would have stripped ILR from hundreds of thousands of non-EU citizens who already hold it, requiring them to reapply under stricter criteria. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer condemned Farage’s proposal as “racist” and potentially destabilizing for communities, arguing that it would affect migrants lawfully working in vital public sectors such as healthcare and education.

Zia Yusuf, Reform’s policy chief, responded by accusing Labour of promoting a policy that would force taxpayers to support foreign nationals indefinitely, framing the debate in stark political terms.

Mahmood’s speech is part of a broader strategy by Labour to ensure that state support is prioritised for individuals actively contributing to society. Alongside the ILR reforms, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced measures targeting young people on benefits, warning that those who refuse job offers after 18 months could face reductions in state handouts.

Labour’s proposals closely align with recent Conservative policies, which also link ILR eligibility to economic contributions. Under these rules, migrants would only qualify for permanent settlement after ten years if they are “net contributors” to the UK economy. The details of Mahmood’s reforms are expected to be clarified in a forthcoming consultation, which may apply retrospectively to migrants who arrived during previous immigration waves.

Currently, nearly 627,000 of the 801,000 migrants expected to qualify for ILR earn below the UK average salary of £37,430, highlighting the potential impact of the proposed criteria. Mahmood is reportedly considering a tiered approach to criminal offenses, differentiating between minor offenses, which may result in delays, and serious offenses that could lead to outright disqualification from ILR.

“The UK has always welcomed those who come to live and work here,” Mahmood said in her speech. “But in addition to living and working here, people must contribute to their wider community and society. This is about fairness, responsibility, and ensuring our country remains open, generous, and tolerant.”

She also cautioned against nationalism veering into ethno-nationalism, emphasizing that maintaining strong borders, fair migration policies, and safe streets are compatible with an inclusive society. Mahmood concluded her address by warning party members that her approach may not always be popular, but she intends to act decisively as a “tough Labour Home Secretary” pursuing a vision of the UK rooted in contribution and community cohesion.

Meanwhile, discussions at conference fringe events highlighted criticism of the Home Office’s handling of deportation appeals, with some legal officials stressing reforms to the application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to facilitate the removal of failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders.