Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has indicated a willingness to reconsider plans that would make it more difficult for foreign workers to claim permanent residence in the UK. The Home Secretary has faced pressure from a number of Labour MPs, including Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, and trade unions to amend the proposals.
Speaking at Labour's annual conference, Ms Mahmood acknowledged that "some have said elements of these reforms are not fair." She stated that the government would "come to a position that balances fairness for those who came here legally and fairness to British citizens across this country."
The original proposals suggested doubling the time most migrants would need to qualify for permanent residence, from five to 10 years. Under these plans, individuals on health and social care visas could face a 15-year wait, while those who relied on benefits for over 12 months might wait 20 years.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham denied that Ms Mahmood was forced to abandon the plans due to Ms Rayner's criticisms, stating that the reforms would need to "strike the right balance." Home Office sources maintain that no final decision has been made on changes to immigration rules.