UK unveils immigration system reform plan, tightening some permanent residence applications.

On November 2 local time, the UK government published a comprehensive reform plan for the immigration system, extending the standard residence requirement for most legal immigrants applying for permanent residence from the current 5 years to 10 years, with some immigrants potentially facing longer waiting periods. Under the new plan, the UK government will implement a permanent residence system based on individual contribution. High-income immigrants could qualify for permanent residence in as little as 3 years, while immigrants arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel will face stricter restrictions. Previously, the UK government planned to extend the permanent residence application period for some foreign workers in the healthcare and social care sectors to 10 or even 15 years, but this proposal faced strong opposition from trade unions and some lawmakers within the ruling Labour Party. After adjustments, the UK government decided to maintain the standard application period of 5 years for some healthcare and care sector workers. This reform is the latest measure by the UK government to further tighten immigration policy against the backdrop of a significant increase in immigration numbers following Brexit.