News

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

Published

1 month 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.”

Local Government

Three-way contest as council leader steps down

Published

10 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Jon Coles

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is set for a three-way contest after council leader Jon Harvey confirmed he will not seek re-election when councillors vote to choose their next leader.

Cllr Harvey has led the council since his predecessor, Cllr David Simpson, stepped down in May 2024 after seven years in the post.

Independent Group councillor Anji Tinley announced her decision to contest the council leadership on April 24. However, she will not be the only contender to lead the authority. Conservative Group leader Di Clements and current Cabinet member Tessa Hodgson will also contest the election.

THE FINE BALANCE OF POWER

The vote could be very close.

The Conservatives have eleven councillors, the Independent Group has eighteen, with the balance held by fifteen unaffiliated councillors, three Plaid Cymru members, two Liberal Democrats, and nine Labour members.

There is one Reform UK councillor, Scott Thorley, and, following the death of Cllr Brian Hall last weekend, a vacant seat.

That leaves the council more or less evenly split between the loose coalition that supports the current administration and the two largest party groupings, the Independent Group and the Conservatives.

THE CANDIDATES

Cllr Tinley joined the local authority after winning the Haverfordwest Garth ward in the 2022 local authority election.

She replaced Cllr Huw Murphy as Independent Group leader earlier this year.

In the announcement of her decision to contest the leadership, an Independent Group spokesperson said: “Anji Tinley has the experience, determination and commitment needed to help restore confidence in the council and ensure that the voices of all residents are properly heard.”

Cllr Di Clements has been the county councillor for Martletwy since 2017.

She has led the Conservative Group on Pembrokeshire County Council since 2022, and is a former chairperson of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

In 2024, she narrowly lost the council leadership election to Jon Harvey by 30 votes to 27.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson has been a member of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet since 2017.

An experienced councillor, Cllr Hodgson appeared well-placed to replace former leader David Simpson in 2024. However, despite broad support for her candidacy, she declined to put her name forward.

Known for her independent thinking and relentless attention to detail, Cllr Hodgson has performed well in the social services hot seat over several years.

NEW LEADER FACES OLD PROBLEMS

The Conservative and Independent groups think there is a need for change ahead of next year’s county council elections.

There have been rumblings of discontent among those generally supportive of the current administration, and a leadership vote could crystallise those feelings.

That said, Tessa Hodgson is a strong candidate — almost certainly the strongest available to the current administration.

The practical result of a change of leadership, and in the event of either a Conservative or Independent Group win, a new Cabinet, with a year to go to the next council election, is less certain.

The annual budget is set, the council tax rates are determined, and the room for manoeuvre is limited. What a new Cabinet can do within the current funding model is constrained by programmes already in place and funded for the next year.

Moreover, the identities of those who might serve, or be persuaded to serve, in a new Cabinet are similarly limited.

A change of direction would likely mean the shedding of Labour cabinet members and the possible exit of the Liberal Democrats and Plaid Cymru from the administration.

Whether unaffiliated members such as Michelle Bateman, Tessa Hodgson, or Jacob Williams would join a council led by either Di Clements or Anji Tinley, or even be asked to do so, is open to question.

Meanwhile, whether Tessa Hodgson is prepared to significantly reshape the Cabinet and either broaden its base or reduce the influence of party groups within it could be a significant factor in how swing voters decide to cast their ballot.

It’s a close call.

But whatever the result, there is one thing for certain. Whoever the new leader of Pembrokeshire County Council is, they will, for the first time, be a woman.

News

Rhun ap Iorwerth visits Narberth as Senedd campaign enters final week

Published

11 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PLAID CYMRU leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has visited Narberth as the Senedd election campaign enters its final week.

The party says the election is now a close contest between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, with recent polling suggesting both parties are competing to become the largest party in the next Senedd.

Mr ap Iorwerth was joined in Narberth by Plaid Cymru candidates for the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, including lead candidate Elin Jones, Kerry Ferguson, Anna Nicholl and Cris Tomos.

The visit came ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 7, when voters across Wales will elect members to the expanded Senedd.

Plaid Cymru said every vote for the party in Ceredigion Penfro would help deliver what it called “a strong voice” for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, while arguing that it was best placed to replace Labour in government and prevent Reform UK from leading the next Welsh Government.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “It’s great to be here in Narberth. With just a few days until the election next Thursday, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is that residents in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion vote for Plaid Cymru.

“We can finally replace Labour in government after 27 years and focus on improving our public services and building our economy in every part of Wales.”

Elin Jones, Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said Mr ap Iorwerth’s visit underlined the importance of turnout in the final days of the campaign.

She said: “Rhun’s presence here in Narberth today reminds us of the importance of using our voices by voting on Thursday.

“I have served Ceredigion for the last 20 years and have fought against centralisation of health services. I will continue to do that for both Bronglais and Withybush hospitals if I’m re-elected.

“Even if you have never voted for Plaid Cymru before, a vote for Plaid in this election can replace Labour, defeat Reform and elect new positive leadership for Wales.”

The new Ceredigion Penfro constituency covers Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and will return six members under the new Senedd electoral system.

Pic caption: Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru Leader, with Ceredigion Penfro candidates Elin Jones, Kerry Ferguson, Anna Nicholl and Cris Tomos, and supporters in Narberth.

Community

Community volunteers freshen up Nolton Haven toilets for season ahead

Published

12 hours ago

April 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for helping keep public toilets open at Nolton Haven ahead of the busy summer season.

Nick Neumann, from Haverfordwest, spent a day painting the facilities, giving them a fresh coat as the coastal village prepares for more visitors.

The toilets are now run by Nolton and Roch Community Council and are maintained through volunteer support and public donations.

The effort has been described as a real example of community spirit, with local people stepping in to help protect an important facility for residents, walkers, beachgoers and visitors to the area.

The work was shared on local community pages, including the Nolton Haven Community Page and Roch Village – Pembrokeshire.