Home Secretary Mahmood is expected to announce changes to the rules governing indefinite leave to remain (ILR) that would affect migrant workers already resident in the United Kingdom. The proposed reforms have prompted dissent from within the government, with some ministers and officials said to be uneasy about measures that would alter the status of people currently working and living in the country.
Background
Indefinite leave to remain is the immigration status that allows a person to live and work in the UK without time restriction. Any change to the conditions or eligibility for ILR would have implications for migrants' rights, employers who rely on foreign labour and the broader immigration system. Details of the specific changes Mahmood intends to unveil have not been released in full ahead of the expected announcement.
Political response
Reports that ministers and other figures inside government have opposed the proposed rules underline the sensitivities surrounding migration policy. The dispute highlights internal divisions over how to balance control of borders with the needs of the labour market and the legal protections afforded to long-term residents. How much those objections will shape the final measures remains unclear.
Next steps
Mahmood is anticipated to set out the governments proposals in more detail when she makes the announcement. Observers say the coming days will be closely watched by employers, migrant advocacy groups and politicians across the spectrum for clues about the scale and timing of any policy changes, and for signs of whether the internal opposition will force revisions to the plans.