Politics Switch to “earned settlement” a huge blow to those already in UK Home Secretary says system will make migrants “play their part”, but lawyers warn it will leave thousands in limbo and increase retention costs for employers iStock.com/Yau Ming Low Image Izzy Wood Senior Reporter Wednesday 04 November 2026 More than 500,000 migrants living and working in the UK could face a significantly longer wait for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) under the government's new “ Get AccessContinue reading Global Mobility LawyerAlready have access? Login now Email Enter your email address. Password Enter the password that accompanies your email address. Reset your passwordLog in Need access? Find out how to enjoy unlimited accessGet access You might also like... Human Rights Live facial recognition to be rolled out beyond UK ports, Home Office confirms Politics UK Budget offers employers targeted immigration relief Politics Burnham’s freedom of movement remarks reignite Brexit tensions Social Security Are mobility strategies changing post-UK-India trade deal?