The United Kingdom has announced significant changes to its immigration laws following updates to its asylum policy.
Under the new rules, immigrants legally residing in the UK may have to wait up to 20 years to apply for permanent residency, while those who entered illegally could face a 30-year wait.
Speaking in Parliament, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined the proposed changes, emphasizing that applicants for permanent residency must have a clean criminal record, be proficient in English at A-level standard, and have no outstanding debts in the country.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content daily
The new rules will also apply to individuals already living in the UK.
Shabana explained that the waiting period for different categories of immigrants will vary.
She said the required duration of stay in the UK before applying for permanent residency will increase from five years to ten years.
READ: UK may tighten student visas policy for Pakistan over asylum concerns
Certain professionals will have faster routes; doctors and nurses serving in the NHS can apply after five years, highly skilled individuals may use a fast-track system, and entrepreneurs or high earners will be eligible after three years.
Shabana Mahmood said, “I want to replace the broken UK immigration system with a fair and integrated system. My parents also came to the UK for a better life and eventually became local citizens.”
These changes are aimed at creating a more structured and equitable immigration framework, balancing the needs of the country with opportunities for newcomers.
