UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the Labour government not to water down proposed changes to the country’s immigration system, warning that exempting up to two million migrants from tougher settlement rules would be a “grave mistake” that could weaken border controls and increase long-term costs to taxpayers.
In a letter sent on July 13, Badenoch and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp appealed to the Home Secretary to retain plans to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten years, following reports that migrants who entered the UK on work visas between 2021 and 2026 could be exempted from the stricter requirement.
“We are concerned to read reports today that following pressure from Labour MPs anticipating a new direction from an incoming Prime Minister, you are now considering u-turning on previous commitments and exempting approximately two million immigrants who entered the country on work visas from 2021 to today from the changes,” the letter states.
Calls Previous 5 year ILR Route ‘Too Generous’
Describing the reported rethink as a significant policy error, Badenoch argued that Britain’s previous five-year route to permanent settlement had proved too generous.
“This is a grave mistake. As Conservatives learned to our cost, five years is too short a time to obtain the indefinite right to remain in the UK,” she wrote.
She further argued that many of the migrants who could benefit from the exemption are employed in lower-paid occupations that could instead be filled by economically inactive Britons.
“Many of these immigrants are working in low wage, low skilled jobs which could be done by some of the nine million economically inactive British citizens,” Badenoch said.
The Conservative leader insisted that permanent settlement should be reserved for migrants who demonstrate sustained economic value over a longer period.
“Individuals who are not making a significant economic contribution over a ten-year period should not be allowed to stay indefinitely,” the letter states.
“Those not working, or working in low paid jobs, should be required to go home at the end of their temporary work visa.” She concluded.
Conservative Party Reiterates Support For Initial Proposal
Despite criticising Labour’s reported reconsideration of the policy, the Conservative leaders said they would support the government if it proceeded with the original proposal without exemptions.
“We appreciate you have challenges with your MPs and influential campaign groups,” the letter said.
“Therefore, if you table the proposals set out last autumn in undiluted form, either through changes to the Immigration Rules or the Immigration and Asylum Bill, we will support them.”
The letter, which was copied to Andy Burnham “in anticipation of his becoming Prime Minister,” concluded by stating “Whether or not you stand by your own proposals is a test of whether the Labour Party is serious about controlling our borders — or not.”
The Conservatives have consistently argued that extending the qualifying period for permanent residency from five to ten years would ensure that only migrants who make a sustained economic contribution are allowed to settle permanently. Critics of tougher settlement rules, however, argue that longer waiting periods could create uncertainty for skilled workers and employers that depend on overseas talent.
