LONDON – November 21, 2025 – The British government announced on Thursday plans to double the waiting period for most foreign workers to obtain settled status to 10 years, with exceptions for doctors, nurses, high earners, and entrepreneurs. Some migrants who arrive illegally could face waits of up to 30 years under the proposed measures.

This move is being billed by the Labour government as the largest shake-up of the UK legal migration system in nearly 50 years, aimed at curbing net immigration while maintaining essential services.

“There will be exceptions for high earners and entrepreneurs, who will be fast-tracked for settlement at three years, while doctors and nurses in the NHS will retain the current five-year period,” the government stated.

Impact on the National Health Service

The proposals provide relief for the National Health Service (NHS), where over two-thirds of doctors and nearly half of nurses are trained abroad. The main nursing union has warned that extending the waiting period for migrant healthcare workers could drive up to 50,000 nurses to leave the UK, potentially exacerbating staff shortages.

Foreign-trained staff are seen as vital to sustaining NHS operations, particularly in the wake of ongoing pressures from an aging population and rising patient demand.

Broader Immigration Measures

The government also outlined stricter measures for those “exploiting the system”. Migrants who rely on state benefits could face a 20-year wait for settled status—four times the current waiting period, making it the longest in Europe. Individuals who enter the UK illegally or overstay visas could face a 30-year wait before being eligible for permanent residency.

Without these policy changes, the government estimates that 1.6 million people would claim settled status between 2026 and 2030. Net immigration to the UK peaked at 944,000 in the year ending March 2023, according to official statistics.

Political and Public Reactions

Immigration has dominated British political discourse for over a decade, with debates focusing on the economic and social impacts of migration. The Labour government, trailing in polls behind the populist Reform UK party, is seeking to balance curbing immigration with the need for skilled workers in key sectors.

Recent asylum policy overhauls further tighten the system, with pledges to make refugee status temporary and accelerate the deportation of illegal arrivals. Public sentiment remains divided, with some voters expressing concerns over pressure on public services, while others emphasize migrants’ crucial role in healthcare, social care, and economic stability.