Nigerians, other migrants face 10-year wait for UK settlement under new rules

The UK government has introduced rules requiring most migrants seeking permanent settlement to spend 10 years in the country.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the earned settlement model in a Peoples Gazette on Monday, saying eligibility would depend on migrants’ contribution and character.

“Settled status is one of the most valuable rights this country can offer. Until now, it has been given almost automatically. From today, it must be earned. Those who contribute most will settle fastest. Those who don’t play by the rules will be refused or wait much longer,” she said.

The government estimates that over 500,000 people, including Nigerians, will now wait longer than five years to settle.

Under the policy, top earners can apply after three years, while those earning above £50,271 annually and some public service workers can apply after five.

Migrants who breached immigration rules must wait at least 20 years, and those who arrived by clandestine means could wait up to 30 years.