UK Introduces Strict Immigration Reforms: New 10-Year Rule for Citizenship Announced

London: The UK government has unveiled major reforms to its immigration policy, aiming to reduce its dependence on overseas labour and tighten visa regulations.

Under the new White Paper, foreign nationals will now need a minimum of 10 years of lawful residence in the UK to become eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, doubling the previous requirement of 5 years.

According to the Home Office, the reforms are intended to ensure that migrants make a meaningful and constructive contribution to British society.

Key reforms include:

• Raising the qualification standard for work visas back to RQF Level 6, equivalent to a university degree.

• Abolishing the Immigration Salary List, which had allowed employers to hire at lower salary levels.

• Closing the Social Care visa route, although existing applicants will still be able to extend their visas until 2028.

• Expanding the English language requirement to cover more visa categories, including dependents.

• Tightening student visa rules, with the post-study work period reduced from 24 months to 18 months.

• Introducing faster procedures for the deportation of foreign nationals with criminal records, regardless of whether a prison term was served.

The Home Office emphasized that these measures are aimed at creating a fair, controlled, and growth-supportive immigration system while easing the pressure on public services.

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