Mahmood expected to set out changes to settlement rules next week

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce next week whether she will change plans to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain, with social care workers already in the UK likely to be exempt from the longer wait, the BBC reports.

The rules determine when eligible migrants can apply to settle permanently in the UK. Mahmood had proposed extending the standard qualifying period from five to 10 years, with some lower-paid workers facing up to 15 years. The Home Office has not confirmed her final decision and says it will comment when the plans are presented to Parliament.

The BBC says most other workers are still likely to face a 10-year wait under the proposals, with the period potentially reduced for people on higher incomes or who contribute to their local communities. The government consultation received 200,000 responses.

The plans have drawn criticism from Labour figures and migrant and care-sector organisations. In a letter reported by LBC, campaigners and MPs argued that changing the rules retrospectively would be punitive and could worsen staffing pressures in health and social care. The Home Office says the government is considering consultation responses.

Mahmood’s proposals have also prompted disagreement within Labour over whether people already in the UK should be affected. In October, energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh declined to endorse the proposed 15-year wait specifically, while saying she supported reform of the immigration system. The government said the final policy had not been settled while the consultation was under review.

Indefinite leave to remain allows a person to live, work and study in the UK without a time limit and to apply for benefits if eligible. The announcement expected next week is due to clarify how the proposed changes would apply, particularly to workers already in the country.