AssetID: 56128697
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: UK Doubles Permanent Residency Wait for Most Migrant Workers
Caption: UK Doubles Permanent Residency Wait for Most Migrant Workers. The UK government has announced a major overhaul of its immigration rules, doubling the standard waiting period for most workers to qualify for permanent residency from 5 to 10 years. The changes, which are due to take effect next year, will also apply retrospectively to migrants already living and working in the country. However, higher earners will be able to qualify sooner: those earning more than £50,000 a year can apply after five years, while people earning over £125,000 will be eligible after just three years. Hundreds of thousands of care workers will also be exempt from the longer waiting period, provided they meet their visa requirements and earn at least £25,000 annually. The revised rules also introduce much longer waiting periods for refugees, with those arriving through approved safe and legal routes eligible after five years While others could face 20 years or even 30 years if they entered the UK by crossing the Channel in a small boat. Applicants will also have to meet stricter conditions, including a clean criminal record, a high level of English and at least three years of National Insurance contributions. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms would ensure that the right to settle in Britain reflects migrants' contributions, while estimating that around half a million people would have to wait longer for permanent residence. The government has faced criticism from unions and Labour lawmakers over the proposals, particularly their impact on low-paid care workers. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,United Kingdom,government,applications,rules,immigration,visas,health workers,care,salaries,doubles,period,time,Shabana Mahmood,right,settle,contributions,National Insurance,retail,low-paid,workers,refugees,safe,legal,routes,access
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