Summary

  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is due to announce her final decision on changes to immigration rules later - you'll be able to watch live above

  • This will include setting out reforms on the length of time people will have to be in the UK before becoming eligible for permanent settlement

  • Mahmood previously proposed extending the wait from the current five years to 10, in response to a period of high net migration, but has faced opposition from within her own party for proposing to apply the changes to migrant workers already in the UK

  • The Conservatives have said that any watering down of the proposal would be a "slap in the face to British taxpayers"

  • Indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also known as settlement, gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like and apply for benefits if they are eligible

Live Reporting

Edited by Kieran Kelly

  1. Remind me, what is 'indefinite leave to remain'?

    'Indefinite leave to remain' refers to immigration status.

    If you have indefinite leave to remain (ILR), it means there is no time limit on your ability to stay in the UK, and you are able to take up employment, self-employment or study.

    People with ILR are also able to access public funds such as welfare benefits.

    ILR approximates the concept of permanent residency in other countries, though that term has a different meaning under EU law.

    It can lapse if you are outside the UK for a continuous period of two or more years.

    ILR is different to the 'right of abode' which is automatically held by all British citizens, valid for life, and does not lapse if you live outside the UK.

  2. Mahmood expected to announce final decision on immigration rules

    Shabana Mahmood is pictured against a grey brick wall, smiling and wearing a dark blazer and holding a red folder.EPA

    Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce her final decision on immigration rules for legal migrants in the House of Commons this afternoon.

    She had previously proposed to extend the wait for permanent settlement from the current five years to 10, with some lower-paid migrants facing a 15-year wait.

    The home secretary was concerned about the number of people who would be eligible for permanent residency after a period of very high net migration under the previous government, known as the "Boriswave".

    The BBC understands the proposals are likely to be revised for most of those currently working in social care after Mahmood faced opposition from within the government.

    But as originally proposed, it is likely most other workers will have to live and work in the UK for 10 years before being eligible for permanent settlement. That can be reduced if they contribute to their local communities or have higher incomes.

    Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates and analysis.