On 29 September 2025, the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood MP, announced significant changes to the UK’s settlement (ILR) system. These proposals were published on the official GOV.UK website and are part of the government’s efforts to reform migration policy.

Below is the full official statement, reproduced under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0

New contribution-based settlement model to reduce net migration

Update on upcoming changes to settlement policy.

From: Home Office and The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP

Published; 29 September 2025

The Home Secretary has announced a proposed new contribution-based settlement model to reduce net migration, boost integration and reduce pressure on public services.

To ensure people contribute to the economy and society before being able to settle in the UK, under the new model they will have to be lawfully resident in the UK for the minimum of 10 years, double the current period.

A person can earn a reduction in the number of years if they meet earnings or integration requirements, while those who have been non-compliant at any point will be required to wait longer – or have their claim refused outright.

The Home Secretary has set out the proposed conditions for gaining indefinite leave to remain in the UK, including being in work, making a certain level of National Insurance contributions, not taking any benefits payments, learning English to a high standard, having a spotless criminal record, and giving back by, for example, working in your local community.

The plans will be subject to a consultation, which will be launched by the end of the year and be open to contributions from the public.

The Home Secretary has also announced a “Winter of Action” following the success of this year’s Safer Streets summer initiative, which tackled street-level crime in over 600 town centres. This winter, police forces across England and Wales will again partner with local businesses, authorities and police and crime commissioners to target shop theft and anti-social behaviour during a peak retail season, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to make our streets safer.

Source:
GOV.UK – New contribution-based settlement model to reduce net migration