Two million legal migrants who arrived in the UK from 2021 must have stayed in the country for at least 10 years to be considered for settled status, under new proposals put forward by the home secretary.

Earlier this year the government announced it would double the qualifying period for migrants hoping to be granted permanent settlement from five years to 10 years, with reductions available for those who make a “strong contribution” to British life.

Shabana Mahmood has announced that the two million people who arrived in the UK from 2021 – under what Labour has dubbed the “Boris wave” – will now have to wait 10 years for permanent settlement.

Other proposals being put forward by Ms Mahmood include:

  • New rules that mean migrants can only become eligible for benefits and social housing if they are granted British citizenship, rather than settled status.

  • Low-paid workers, such as the 616,000 people and their dependents who came on health and social care visas between 2022 and 2024, will be subject to a 15-year baseline.

  • Changing rules so that those reliant on benefits face a 20-year wait for settlement – quadruple the current period and the longest in Europe.

Speaking ahead of a planned statement to MPs this afternoon, Ms Mahmood said: “Migration will always be a vital part of Britain’s story. But the scale of arrivals in recent years has been unprecedented.

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“To settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege. And it must be earned.”

“I am replacing a broken immigration system with one that prioritises contribution, integration and respect for the British sense of fair play.”

However, under the plans – which are subject to consultation – there will be easier routes for doctors and nurses in the NHS as they will be eligible for settlement after five years.

The Home Office said the “brightest and best of international talent” could get their settlement “fast-tracked”, with high earners and entrepreneurs able to stay after just three years.

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