POLICE appeal for witnesses after man reportedly attacked by group of eight men near Llanddarog junction

Local officers are investigating an alleged assault that took place on the A48 westbound at the Llanddarog junction, before the Nantycaws turn-off, at around 2:30pm on Saturday (Mar 7).

The incident is reported to have involved eight men who had parked Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a lay-by. The group allegedly assaulted a man who was travelling in a car.

The victim sustained moderate injuries and their vehicle was also damaged during the incident.

Anyone with information, or with private CCTV or dashcam footage showing suspicious activity in the area at the time, is asked to contact police in one of the following ways:

Online: https://orlo.uk/KRjzb
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101

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

Please quote reference: DP-20260307-227.

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.

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.