Indian Workers Association calls for protection for families already living in Britain
By Staff Reporter
(Asian independent) The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has welcomed the government’s decision to abandon a proposed 15-year wait for permanent residence for certain overseas care workers, but warned that wider immigration reforms could leave hundreds of thousands facing uncertainty.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the government’s Earned Settlement plans in Parliament on Monday, 2 November.
Under the proposals, most migrant workers would wait ten years instead of five before applying for permanent residence, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows people to live and work in Britain without time limits on their immigration permission.
Eligible care workers who joined the relevant visa route before May 2025 could still qualify after five years if they meet their visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 annually in social care.
The Home Office estimates that around one-quarter of affected care workers may not qualify. They would be offered the opportunity to apply for another five-year care visa before seeking settlement.
The government has also proposed five-year settlement routes for eligible workers earning more than £50,271 annually and certain doctors, nurses and teachers. The highest earners could qualify after three years.
These changes remain subject to detailed Immigration Rules and implementation arrangements.
Applicants would face tougher requirements covering criminal records, English-language ability, government debts and National Insurance contributions.
The Home Office estimates that more than 500,000 people could face longer waits for settlement.
Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) and Director of Gill Immigration Law Consultants Ltd, welcomed the care-worker concession but urged ministers to protect migrants already living in Britain.
“The decision to drop the proposed 15-year waiting period is welcome news for care workers who have made an important contribution to Britain,” Mr Gill said.
“Many came here legally, worked hard, paid taxes and National Insurance, and cared for elderly, sick and vulnerable people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mr Gill said families had made important decisions expecting to apply for permanent residence after five years.
“People have established homes, taken jobs and brought up their children here. Extending the waiting period after they have already arrived could create serious uncertainty for their families,” he said.
The Association also expressed concern about care workers who lost their jobs or faced difficulties after employers’ sponsorship licences were cancelled.
According to the Home Office, around 1,800 employers have lost their right to sponsor overseas workers under the current government.
“Workers who have followed the rules should not be made to suffer because of dishonest employers. They deserve protection and a fair opportunity to continue working,” Mr Gill said.
The Association called for fair transitional arrangements for existing migrants, clearer rules for spouses and children, and stronger protection against exploitation.
“Britain has benefited from migrant workers for generations. Their contribution should be recognised, and families who have followed the rules should be treated fairly,” Mr Gill added.
The government says the reforms aim to reward migrants who work, contribute and follow immigration rules. People already holding permanent settlement will retain their status.
The full impact will become clearer when detailed rules and transitional arrangements are published.
