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UK Proposes Doubling Indefinite Leave Wait Time, Faces Backlash

4/11/2026

Center

Mahmood Proposes Extension

The UK government, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, proposes to double the wait for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years to ensure settlement is earned.
The proposal would apply especially to low-skilled migrants.
Critics, including major children's charities, warn the retrospective rules could affect over 300,000 children and leave 90,000 in poverty, urging reconsideration.
Public support stands at 50%, with significant opposition from advocacy groups.

Left

UK Revokes Residency Rights

The United Kingdom plans to revoke residency rights for EU citizens not continually living in the United Kingdom, citing the 2020 Brexit withdrawal agreement.
The Home Office will start with people out of the United Kingdom for over five years.
Critics such as the Independent Monitoring Authority and the3million campaign group worry absences data may be unreliable.
The National Audit Office is examining the Home Office’s data practices.

History

Historical Context

The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, finalized on January 31, 2020, ended the UK's participation in the EU's free movement policy, impacting residency rights for EU citizens. The Home Office's new immigration rules could affect over 300,000 children, with 90,000 at risk of poverty. This shift reflects ongoing tensions regarding low-skilled migration and public sentiment, with 50% of the population supporting stricter immigration controls.

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Mahmood Proposes Extension

The UK government, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, proposes to double the wait for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years to ensure settlement is earned.
The proposal would apply especially to low-skilled migrants.
Critics, including major children's charities, warn the retrospective rules could affect over 300,000 children and leave 90,000 in poverty, urging reconsideration.
Public support stands at 50%, with significant opposition from advocacy groups.

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