Story perspectives

Home Secretary Proposes Doubling Leave Period, Threatening 2.5 Million Residents

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed doubling the leave-to-remain qualifying period from five to ten years, applied retrospectively.
The Work Rights Centre says 2.06-2.47 million residents, including 593 000 children, could be affected and warns the measures may raise labour exploitation and child poverty.
The Home Affairs Select Committee and the Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee said the retrospective rule would leave most children with temporary status and is unfair, likely unlawful.

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Story summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood proposed doubling the leave-to-remain qualifying period from five to ten years, applied retrospectively.
The Work Rights Centre says 2.06-2.47 million residents, including 593 000 children, could be affected and warns the measures may raise labour exploitation and child poverty.
The Home Affairs Select Committee and the Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee said the retrospective rule would leave most children with temporary status and is unfair, likely unlawful.