News

Migrants could wait up to 15 years for UK settlement under new immigration reforms

Published

3 months ago

March 16, 2026

New ‘Earned Settlement’ system expected from April could replace traditional five-year route to permanent residency

THOUSANDS of migrants living and working in the UK could face waiting up to fifteen years before qualifying for permanent settlement under major immigration reforms expected to take effect from April 2026.

The UK Government plans to introduce a new “Earned Settlement” framework that would replace the traditional five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The proposed system links settlement eligibility to economic contribution, income levels and integration into British society.

Under the proposals, the standard pathway to settlement for many migrants will increase to ten years. However, some applicants could qualify sooner while others may face significantly longer waits depending on their personal circumstances.

Immigration specialists say the reforms represent one of the most significant changes to the UK’s settlement system in decades.

Helena Sheizon, an immigration expert at Kadmos Immigration, said: “This reform represents a fundamental shift from a time-based route to permanent residence to one focused on earned contribution. It aims to reward economic participation and integration, but it also means thousands of people already on a path to settlement could face new conditions and longer waits if they do not meet the new criteria.”

Under the current immigration framework, many migrants on routes such as the Skilled Worker visa or family visas can apply for permanent residency after five years of lawful residence.

The proposed reforms would introduce a points-based settlement model. The time required before applying for ILR could vary depending on factors including income, employment history and compliance with immigration rules.

Government proposals suggest a ten-year baseline settlement route for most migrants. Individuals with very high earnings or exceptional contributions to the UK economy could qualify after around three years. Others with lower incomes or irregular employment histories could face qualifying periods of up to fifteen years or more.

The new framework moves away from a purely time-based system and instead requires migrants to effectively “earn” settlement through measurable contribution.

Sheizon added: “What makes this system distinctive is the idea of earning settlement through measurable contribution. People will need to demonstrate not just residence in the UK, but active economic engagement.”

Several key factors could affect how quickly someone qualifies for settlement under the new model. These include income levels, with higher taxable earnings potentially reducing the settlement timeline, as well as employment in public service sectors such as healthcare or education.

English language ability may also influence eligibility, while visa breaches, irregular entry or reliance on public funds could extend the time required before settlement can be granted.

In practice, this means two migrants arriving in the UK at the same time could reach settlement at very different points depending on their individual contribution profiles.

Some changes linked to the new system have already begun to take effect. These include higher English language requirements for several visa routes and increased income thresholds tied to visa eligibility.

The reforms are expected to affect a wide range of migrants currently living and working in the UK. Skilled workers and their dependents could face longer waits unless they meet higher earnings criteria, while family visa holders may encounter extended settlement timelines and stricter income requirements.

Lower-paid workers, particularly in sectors such as social care or middle-skilled roles, could face the longest qualifying periods.

The proposals follow the Government’s wider immigration strategy outlined in a recent White Paper and consultations carried out during late 2025. A formal Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules is expected in March ahead of the planned launch of the new system in April.

Sheizon said the reforms could significantly alter long-term plans for migrants already living in Britain.

“The immigration reform expected from April 2026 marks a major turning point. The shift to an earned settlement model changes not only how long people must wait for permanent residence but also what they must do to achieve it,” she said.

“With these changes approaching, migrants and employers should review their settlement plans now and consider whether earlier applications may be possible.”

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

42 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

Entertainment

The Big Retreat confirms first details for 2027 Pembrokeshire festival

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Soul Space sessions, new relaxation areas and Abba Revival among early announcements

THE BIG RETREAT FESTIVAL has revealed the first details of its 2027 event in Pembrokeshire, with organisers promising new spaces, more inclusive activities and the return of a popular Main Stage act.

The festival will take place from May 28 to May 31, 2027, at Newton Farm, Lawrenny.

Organisers said they had been reflecting on feedback from this year’s event, with visitors most often describing the festival as “fun, relaxing and friendly.”

Among the changes already planned for 2027 is the inclusion of all sessions within The Soul Space as part of the standard festival ticket.

New areas dedicated to rest, relaxation and connection are also being introduced, giving visitors more opportunities to step away from busier parts of the site during the weekend.

The Talk Tent will move to the Village Green, while a new Gathering Place will also be created there. Hosted by the festival’s Solo Traveller Manager and Accessibility Manager, the space will be open to everyone as somewhere to meet others, ask questions, relax or take a moment out.

Other changes include new glamping accommodation with electric hook-ups and the return of the football pitch in Family Camping.

Organisers have also confirmed that Abba Revival will return to The Big Retreat Pembrokeshire in 2027 as the first announced Main Stage act.

The tribute act proved popular at this year’s event, with organisers saying the request to bring them back came up repeatedly in visitor feedback.

The festival team said: “One of the things we love most about The Big Retreat is that no two people experience it in the same way.

“Some come for the music. Some for the yoga. Some for the wild swimming. Some for the talks. Some for the food. Some for the adventure.

“However you choose to spend your weekend, our goal remains the same: Feel Good Your Way.”

First wave tickets are now on sale, with organisers also offering a ten-month payment plan.

Glamping accommodation for 2027, including the new electric hook-up options, is due to go on sale on Wednesday, June 17.

News

Police close Hakin Bridge amid welfare concern

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Bridge was shut for around 35 minutes while officers dealt with incident

POLICE temporarily closed Hakin Bridge in Milford Haven over the weekend following concerns for the welfare of an individual.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the bridge at around 11:20pm on Saturday (June 13).

The road was closed shortly afterwards, at around 11:30pm, while officers dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call for a concern of welfare of an individual on Hakin Bridge, Milford Haven at around 11:20pm on Saturday, June 13.

“The individual was spoken to by officers at the scene, who ensured their safety.

“The road was closed from 11:30pm and reopened at approximately 12:05am on Sunday, June 14.”

The closure lasted around 35 minutes and affected traffic between Hakin and Milford Haven.

Photo caption:

Temporary closure: Hakin Bridge was closed while police dealt with the incident (Pic: File image).