Nantwich MP backs plans to double wait for migrants settling in UK
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, has backed Government plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK.
By Nub News
Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith has backed Government plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK.
The Labour MP spoke in the House of Commons after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the Government’s Earned Settlement system on 2 November.
Under the plans, the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain will increase from five years to 10 years for most migrants.
The Government says settlement will depend on a person’s contribution and conduct. Applicants will need to meet stricter conditions, including speaking English to a high standard, having a clean criminal record, owing no money to the taxpayer and making sustained National Insurance contributions.
Mr Naismith told MPs that net migration had fallen by 82 per cent under the Labour Government compared with its peak under the previous Conservative administration.
He then asked Ms Mahmood about the consequences for people who enter the country illegally.
“Alongside the changes that she is making on legal migration, can she confirm that there will be serious consequences for settlement for those entering our country by a dangerous and illegal means?” he said.
Ms Mahmood confirmed that people entering illegally or through clandestine means would face an additional 10-year waiting period.
“He's right that net migration is down under this government and we are taking steps to make sure that we bring coherence and rationality to the migration system and fixing the mess left behind by the previous government,” she told MPs.
“Let me say to him on illegal migration, that is why there is an additional waiting period of 10 years.”
The Home Office said some people would be able to qualify sooner under the new system. This includes certain high earners and some public service workers.
Government details state that people earning more than £50,271, along with some doctors, nurses and teachers, may qualify after five years. The highest earners and some highly skilled workers may qualify within three years.
People who have breached immigration rules will face a minimum 20-year route to settlement, while those entering through clandestine means could face a further 10-year wait.
Ms Mahmood said the changes were intended to ensure the Government and the public retained control of the UK’s migration system.