(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Labour government has announced a major shift in immigration policy, requiring foreign workers in the United Kingdom to wait twice as long to qualify for permanent residency. In addition to the extended waiting period, migrants will now have to satisfy a“series of new tests” to demonstrate their commitment to becoming integrated members of British society.

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British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the policy on Monday at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool. Under the new proposals, individuals will have to earn the right to claim Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - the status that provides working rights, access to state benefits, and a clear path to eventual citizenship. Crucially, applicants will now have to wait ten years, instead of the current five, before they are eligible to apply to settle permanently in the UK.

Applicants must fulfil a stringent set of conditions during this decade-long wait, including consistently making national insurance contributions, demonstrating the ability to speak English to a“high standard”, and actively volunteering for local community organisations.

Ms Mahmood explained that the change was necessary to address public concerns regarding the system's fairness.“The truth is, across this country, people feel like things are spinning out of control,” she asserted.

“When they hear of widespread illegal working, undercutting British workers' wages, they feel the system is rigged,” she added.

This policy response comes as migration remains at the forefront of the political agenda, fuelled both by the substantial increase in legal migration under the preceding Conservative government and the record numbers of people crossing the English Channel in small boats.

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Yes, the UK's new permanent residency rules are expected to have a significant impact on Indian nationals, who currently represent the largest group of skilled workers and students arriving in the United Kingdom .

The changes affect Indian nationals most keenly because they predominantly use the specific visa routes targeted by the new policies.

Here is a breakdown of how the new rules will impact Indian workers and students:

• Skilled Workers
  The majority of Indian professionals arrive on Skilled Worker visas (previously Tier 2), which currently offer a 5-year path to ILR. This group will now face a decade-long wait in temporary status, increasing financial burdens (through repeated visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge) and extending the period of uncertainty.
• New“Good Citizen” Tests
  The Labour government's plan introduces new requirements to prove eligibility for ILR, moving towards an "earned settlement" model. These new tests will place additional non-financial burdens on applicants:
• Higher English Standards
  Applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency to a "high standard" (potentially B2 level or higher), which is stricter than previous requirements for many visa categories.
• Financial Security
  They must also prove consistent financial contributions, specifically through National Insurance contributions, and demonstrate they have not unduly relied on state benefits.
• Community Contribution
  Applicants must meet conditions related to "giving back" to the community, such as volunteering for local charities, a requirement that adds a layer of mandated social integration.

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