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Migrants could face 15-year wait for UK settlement under new immigration plan

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Proposed ‘earned settlement’ system expected to overhaul long-standing five-year route to permanent residence

THOUSANDS of migrants living and working in the UK could face significantly longer waits to gain permanent residency under sweeping immigration reforms expected to take effect from April 2026.

The proposed changes would replace the current five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) with a new system described as “earned settlement”, which could see some migrants waiting as long as 15 years before qualifying for permanent residence.

Under the present rules, many migrants on skilled worker or family visas can apply for settlement after five years of lawful residence in the UK. However, the planned reforms would extend the baseline qualifying period to ten years for most applicants.

The new system would also introduce a points-based contribution model, meaning the time required before settlement could vary depending on factors such as earnings, employment history and English language ability.

In some cases, migrants with high incomes or those working in key public services could qualify more quickly, potentially in as little as three years. Others with lower earnings or irregular employment histories could face a significantly longer route.

Immigration advisers say the changes represent one of the most significant shifts in UK settlement policy in decades.

Helena Sheizon, an immigration expert with Kadmos Immigration, said the reforms mark a move away from a simple time-based system towards one that prioritises economic contribution.

“This reform represents a fundamental shift from a time-based route to permanent residence to one focused on earned contribution,” she said.

“It means that many people already living in the UK on pathways to settlement may face new qualifying conditions and longer waits if they do not meet the new criteria.”

The proposed model would consider a range of factors when determining eligibility for settlement. Higher taxable income over a sustained period could reduce the waiting time, while employment in sectors such as healthcare and education may also count positively.

However, factors such as claiming public funds, previous visa breaches or gaps in employment could extend the qualifying period.

Alongside the settlement reforms, several other changes to immigration rules have already been introduced or are expected to take effect in early 2026.

These include higher English language requirements for several work visa routes, including Skilled Worker visas, and stricter income thresholds linked to both visa eligibility and settlement.

The reforms are expected to have a particular impact on lower-paid migrant workers, including those employed in sectors such as social care and hospitality, where wages may fall below the levels needed to shorten the new settlement timelines.

The changes form part of a broader immigration strategy outlined by the UK Government in a recent policy paper, with a formal Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules expected to be published later this month.

If approved, the new “earned settlement” framework could come into force from April 2026.

Immigration advisers are now urging migrants already living in the UK to review their settlement plans, as those nearing the current five-year threshold may benefit from applying before the new rules take effect.

 

Crime

Man denies Tenby hotel assault charge as case set for Crown Court trial

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A MAN accused of assault following an incident at a Tenby hotel has denied the allegation and will now stand trial later this year.

Leon Jenkins, aged thirty-two, of Bryn Terrace, Lletty Brongu, Maesteg, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Mar 9) where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charge relates to an alleged incident at The Dunes Hotel in Tenby.

The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the matter to the Crown Court due to the seriousness of the allegation.

During the earlier hearing, prosecutors did not outline details of the injuries said to have been sustained and the complainant has not been publicly identified.

At Monday’s Crown Court hearing Jenkins formally denied the charge.

He was granted conditional bail and the case was listed for trial.

The matter is due to be heard before a judge and jury at Swansea Crown Court on August 18.

 

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Crime

Man exposes himself to woman on Brunel cycle path near Haverfordwest

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Police appeal for witnesses after midday incident

POLICE are appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a woman on a popular walking and cycling route between Rosemarket and Johnston.

The incident happened at around 12:00pm on Thursday (Mar 5) on the Brunel cycle path.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the victim was walking along the path when a man on a bicycle cycled past her. A short time later, the same man returned from the direction he had initially travelled and approached the woman before exposing himself.

The offender then cycled away from the scene in the direction of Neyland.

The man is described as being of slim build and was wearing a black balaclava along with a grey top and grey bottoms. The victim believes the bicycle he was riding was black.

Detective Constable Imogen Nunnick, from North Pembrokeshire CID, is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could help identify the man to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101 and quoting reference 26*179651.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

 

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Community

Carmarthenshire woman celebrates 100th birthday surrounded by family

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A CARMARTHENSHIRE woman has celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at a special gathering in Carmarthen.

Margaret Olwyn Lewis marked the milestone last weekend at the communal rooms of Hafan Towy in North Parade, where she has lived for more than twenty years.

The celebration brought together her son David Lewis and daughters Susan Harte and Sharon Lewis, along with their partners Christopher Harte and Jane Collins. Also attending were grandchildren Jessica, Lizzie, Edward and Amy, together with seven great-grandchildren.

Century celebration: Margaret Lewis cuts her 100th birthday cake surrounded by family (Pic: Chris Harte)

Margaret was born in Porth Cottage Hospital and spent her early childhood in Pontygwaith in the Rhondda Valley. After the death of her parents when she was young, her elder brother Idris became her guardian.

When Idris was called up for National Service, Margaret took over running his hairdressing business — a role she continued until she married Elfed Lewis and moved to Swansea.

The couple had first met in the mid-1930s while attending Tylorstown Primary School. Their friendship developed into a lasting romance that continued throughout the Second World War and after Elfed returned from an Army posting in Egypt.

Margaret recalled memories from those wartime years.

Four generations: Margaret Lewis celebrates with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Carmarthen (Pic: Chris Harte)

“During the war we used to walk up the hill towards Maerdy Mountain and after a bombing raid we could stand and watch the flames,” she said.

“The usual targets were the docks at Swansea and the oil refineries in Llandarcy. Later we would catch a tram down the valley to see the destruction that had been caused.”

After the war, Margaret and Elfed lived for some time in Fforest-fach before moving to a home on Forestry Commission land at Llanllawddog. The move came shortly before Elfed took early retirement from his role as Chief Engineer at Western Power.

Both became deeply involved in local heritage. Elfed, together with two friends, helped found the Carmarthenshire Family History Society, which today has a worldwide membership of around 8,000 people.

Margaret also developed a strong interest in art and became involved with the Carmarthen Sketch Club. She won awards for her paintings and many of her works have been exhibited over the years.

Although family members now live across Britain, many travelled to Carmarthen to celebrate her 100th birthday together.

Margaret has always said she is proud that her children and grandchildren pursued higher education, with all going on to attend university and build successful careers.

The family gathering was a chance for four generations to come together and mark a remarkable century of life.

Cover pic: Century celebration: Margaret Lewis cuts her 100th birthday cake surrounded by family (Pic: Chris Harte)

 

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