Impact of Immigration Policy Changes on Low-Paid Carers in the UK

On November 20, 2025, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced significant changes to immigration policy that will affect individuals living and working legally in the UK. The new regulations will penalize those who claim benefits, extending the timeframe for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to 20 years for many, particularly impacting low-paid workers on the “10-year route.” This route requires individuals to renew their temporary leave to remain every 30 months for a decade before they can apply for ILR.

The Guardian

A low-paid carer from Ghana, who has three children, has become one of the first individuals to cancel her benefits, including the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) received by her autistic daughter, due to fears surrounding her immigration status. The carer, who has completed nine years of her 10-year route, stated that she felt compelled to stop claiming benefits after hearing warnings from community lawyers about the potential negative impact on her eligibility for settlement. She expressed that her only option to manage her finances is to increase her working hours to 60 per week, despite the physical toll it takes on her health.

The Guardian

Nick Beales, head of campaigning at the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (Ramfel), highlighted that the government's "earned settlement" plans disproportionately affect South Asian, African, and Caribbean migrants, who constitute a significant portion of those on the 10-year route. Beales emphasized that the intersection of classism and racism is evident, as the government appears to devalue lower-paid work. He noted that individuals like the Ghanaian carer face a difficult choice: either continue receiving essential support for their disabled children or sacrifice that support in hopes of securing permanent immigration status.

The Guardian

A government spokesperson defended the new settlement model, stating that it offers individuals the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period for settlement and citizenship based on their contributions to the UK economy and society. The spokesperson encouraged overseas workers to participate in the ongoing consultation regarding these changes.

The Guardian

Critics argue that the policy changes create an unfair environment for low-paid workers, particularly those from marginalized communities. The carer herself expressed frustration, stating, “It feels so unfair that I accessed benefits because I’m on a low wage and now that is being used against me.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the implications of the new immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

The Guardian

• “I heard about these changes and decided to cancel all my benefits,” — Ghanaian Carer

The Guardian

• “ Nick Beales, the head of campaigning at the charity Ramfel (Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London), which is providing support for the woman said: “The government’s ‘earned settlement’ plans clearly discriminate against south Asian, African and Caribbean migrants, who make up the vast majority of people on the existing 10-year route to settlement.” — Nick Beales, Head of Campaigning at Ramfel

The Guardian

• “It feels so unfair that I accessed benefits because I’m on a low wage and now that is being used against me.” — Ghanaian Carer

The Guardian

• “As the home secretary has set out, under our proposed new settlement model, individuals will have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period to settlement and citizenship based on contributions to the UK economy and society. We have launched the consultation and encourage overseas workers to take part.” — Government Spokesperson

The Guardian

The changes to immigration policy in the UK have sparked significant concern among low-paid workers, particularly those from minority backgrounds, as they navigate the complexities of maintaining their immigration status while providing for their families.

The Guardian