UK Government Plans Stricter Immigration Rules Including 10-Year Residency, English Tests

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced comprehensive reforms to the UK immigration system aimed at significantly reducing net migration and making indefinite leave to remain a privilege that must be earned. Key measures include doubling the residency requirement from five to ten years for citizenship applications, with exceptions for those making high contributions to the economy or society, and tightening English language requirements, extending them for the first time to adult dependents. These reforms respond to public frustration over high migration levels, which have influenced recent local election losses for Labour and gains for Reform UK, a party campaigning on immigration control. Starmer emphasized that the system will become more controlled, selective, and fair, targeting low-skilled immigration while expediting residency for highly skilled workers and public service employees. Critics have expressed concerns that stricter language requirements could affect family unity, while some experts question the short-term impact of the changes. The proposals, described as a break from past policies, will require legislative changes and are part of a broader government strategy to curb legal immigration and address pressures on public services.