Thank you for staying with me throughout this series of Committee articles. This is the final summary article, bringing together all the key evidence, expert warnings, and major concerns raised during the parliamentary Committee sessions. In this final piece, we look at the full picture of the UK Government’s proposed “earned settlement” reforms and what experts told Parliament about the possible impact on migrants, families, businesses, and the wider United Kingdom.

Between November 2025 and February 2026, twelve (12) oral evidence sessions were held in Parliament to examine the Government’s proposed immigration reforms. These sessions were conducted before the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, where experts from academia, legal organisations, industry leaders, and civil society provided detailed testimony. Their overall message was clear the proposed “earned settlement” system carries serious risks for UK society.

### Stricter Conditions and Retrospective Rules
The Government’s proposal aims to introduce stricter conditions for migrants seeking permanent settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain. The reforms include extending the number of years required before settlement, introducing mandatory work requirements, setting salary thresholds that determine how quickly migrants can settle, and applying the new rules retrospectively to people already living and working in the UK. While the policy is presented as rewarding economic contribution, experts told Parliament that the potential harms could outweigh the intended benefits.

One of the most serious concerns raised during the sessions was the increased risk of poverty among migrant families. Many migrant households already face financial hardship because they are not allowed to access public funds and must pay very high immigration fees. Evidence showed that renewing a Skilled Worker visa for a family of three can cost up to £11,000. Experts explained that extending settlement routes and increasing requirements would place further pressure on families who are already struggling financially.

### Impact on Children and Education
There was particular concern about the impact on migrant children. Experts warned that delaying access to settlement and citizenship could negatively affect children’s integration, education, and future opportunities. Professor Alan Manning, former Chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, stressed that children who have grown up in the UK and know no other country should have a clear pathway to citizenship.

Another major concern was the proposed mandatory work requirement. Under the new system, migrants would need to demonstrate a record of employment before becoming eligible for settlement. Experts argued that this requirement assumes that everyone is able to work, ignoring the reality of people who cannot participate in employment, including full-time parents, unpaid carers, and individuals with disabilities or health conditions.

### Labour Exploitation and Economic Risks
The Committees also heard strong warnings about labour exploitation. The current employer sponsored visa system already creates a dependency between migrant workers and their employers. Experts explained that extending the settlement period would strengthen this dependency and increase the risk of abuse. Migrant workers may feel unable to report poor working conditions or unfair treatment because their immigration status depends on their employer.

The proposals could also affect wages, businesses, and the wider economy. Experts warned that some skilled workers may choose to leave the UK for countries with more favourable immigration policies, such as Canada or Australia. Businesses that rely on migrant workers could face labour shortages and increased recruitment costs.

### Social Care Sector in Crisis
The adult social care sector was identified as one of the areas most likely to be affected. Under the proposed system, care workers could face a 15 year route to settlement, three times longer than the current pathway. Sector leaders warned that this could worsen existing staff shortages at a time when demand for care services is increasing.

Another major concern raised by experts was the proposal to apply the new rules retrospectively. This means that migrants who entered the UK under one set of expectations could suddenly face different and stricter requirements. Experts warned that changing the rules after people have already built their lives in the UK could damage the country’s reputation for fairness and predictable policymaking.

### Conclusion and Call for Reconsideration
Based on the evidence presented, many experts and organisations called for the Government to reconsider or delay the reforms until a full assessment is conducted. An open letter signed by dozens of parliamentarians called on the Home Secretary to withdraw the retrospective settlement proposals and carefully review the policy.

In conclusion, the parliamentary Committee evidence presented a consistent warning that the proposed “earned settlement” reforms could have wide-ranging consequences. This final article brings together the key findings from the Committee evidence series and highlights the urgent need for policies that protect families, workers, businesses, and the future stability of UK society.

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