The proposals, announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday 2 November, form part of the government’s new ‘earned settlement’ policy, which would link eligibility for permanent residence to factors including an individual’s contribution to society, immigration history and compliance with settlement requirements.
Under the plans, refugees arriving through approved safe and legal routes would remain eligible for settlement after five years. Those arriving through other routes would generally face a 20-year qualifying period, with an additional ten years for people entering the country irregularly, including by small boat.
The government says the reforms are intended to encourage the use of safe and legal routes, discourage dangerous Channel crossings and ensure that permanent settlement reflects an individual’s contribution to British society. Refugees who enter work or study could qualify for a reduction in the waiting period.
However, JRS UK has warned that the proposals risk leaving people who have fled war, persecution and displacement facing prolonged uncertainty, making it harder for them to rebuild their lives and establish lasting connections within their communities.
Dr Sophie Cartwright, Senior Policy Officer at JRS UK, said:
“The Government’s “earned settlement” policy, published this week, will force refugees to wait up to 20, or even 30 years before they can finally settle in the UK. It punishes people who have been forced to make dangerous journeys and denies people seeking sanctuary a chance to rebuild their lives here. Furthermore, refugees forced into debt and destitution after accessing essential asylum support will be punished for this. The Government says this is fairness but there is no justice here.”
The government’s wider reforms would also introduce stricter eligibility requirements for settlement, including conditions relating to criminal records, English language proficiency, National Insurance contributions and outstanding debts to the taxpayer.
While the government maintains that refugees who continue to need protection will receive it, JRS UK argues that extending the route to permanent settlement risks deepening hardship and exclusion for people seeking sanctuary.
JRS UK accompanies, serves and advocates alongside refugees and people seeking asylum, including those held in immigration detention. Through its work, the organisation seeks to uphold the dignity of displaced people and support them in rebuilding their lives.
For more information about its work, visit Jesuit Refugee Service UK
Photo by Adrian Raudaschl on Unsplash
