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UK proposes stricter rules for migrant settlement

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The United Kingdom government is set to unveil new plans for migrants seeking to settle in the country.

Under the proposed changes, migrants will be required to have a job, not claim benefits, and undertake community work.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood will outline the plans at the annual conference of the ruling Labour Party, emphasizing that migrants will have to make social security contributions, claim no benefits, have a clean criminal record, and volunteer in their community to stay in the UK.

Currently, individuals with family in Britain who have lived there for five years qualify for “indefinite leave to remain,” or permanent residence, as do those who have lived legally in the UK for 10 years on any type of visa. Eligible applicants meeting these thresholds also earn the right to live, work, and study in the UK and apply for benefits and British citizenship.

Mahmood’s announcement comes after the opposition hard-right Reform Party proposed getting rid of “indefinite leave to remain” altogether, requiring migrants to reapply for visas every five years. This move would apply to hundreds of thousands of people who have already attained leave to remain. Labour Party officials argue that Reform’s plan would force long-time contributors to the country to leave their homes and families.

“The Labour government and Reform are drawing a clear dividing line,” the party statement said, referencing Reform’s plan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed in, calling Reform’s proposal “racist” and stating it would “tear the country apart.”

In her speech, Mahmood will emphasize the importance of migrants learning English to a high standard, saying she will be a “tough” minister. She’ll also warn party members that failing to tackle immigration will lead working people to seek solace in Reform leader Nigel Farage’s “false promises.”

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will also address the conference, vowing to invest in Britain’s renewal and announcing new plans to get young people in work.