United Kingdom announces merit-based immigration reform for obtaining residency

The UK has announced a merit-based immigration reform that alters residency requirements, extending waiting periods for some migrants. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that permanent residency should be earned, not automatic. The minimum waiting period for residency will increase from five to ten years for migrants earning below £50,000, while those earning above this threshold or in essential sectors will retain the five-year wait. Refugees arriving illegally may face a maximum wait of 30 years. The reform aims to discourage illegal immigration and includes disqualifying criteria such as criminal records and insufficient English proficiency. Prime Minister Andy Burnham supported the changes, stating that valuable contributors should have quicker access to residency.