"It's Permanently Scrapped," UK Announces 4 Things It'll No Longer Accept for Settlement Applicants
- UK government scrapped automatic family reunion for refugees and extends wait for settlement
- New rules require high English skills, clean records, and community service for applicants
- Critics call reforms harsh, warning they risk fuelling smuggling, while government insists settlement must be earned
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Refugees will now face stricter conditions before being allowed to settle permanently in the United Kingdom.
Under new government plans, the current five-year route to indefinite leave to remain will be replaced with a longer waiting period requiring applicants to demonstrate contributions to the country.
Source: Getty Images
Family reunion route permanently scrapped
The government also confirmed that the pathway allowing refugees to automatically bring close relatives to the UK, temporarily suspended in September, has now been permanently scrapped.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the reforms signal that “there will be no golden ticket to settling in the UK. People will have to earn it.”
Stronger requirements introduced
Under the new rules, applicants will be required to meet stricter conditions including demonstrating high proficiency in English, maintaining a clean criminal record, and volunteering in their communities.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said her department is focused on making settlement “fair but firm”, while Migration Minister Mike Tapp insisted that the changes mean the UK “will no longer be seen as a soft touch.”
Opposition and charities react
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the measures, calling them “a Starmer gimmick” that would “make no difference whatsoever.”
As reported by Reuters, the Refugee Council warned that the government’s stance would not deter those seeking safety but would “push more desperate people into the arms of smugglers in an effort to reunite with loved ones.”
Government defends changes at European summit
Source: Getty Images
The announcement comes as Sir Keir attends the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, where he is discussing migration with European leaders, BBC New reported.
Ahead of the meeting, he emphasised that “settlement must be earned by contributing to the country.”
The UK government said the reforms would bring the asylum system “into line with the rest of Europe” and reduce the so-called “pull factors” drawing migrants to Britain.
UK bans foreign recruitment in 100 job roles
Legit.ng reported that the United Kingdom has announced sweeping immigration reforms, removing over 100 job roles from its foreign recruitment list, a move that will affect thousands of Nigerians seeking work opportunities in Britain.
The policy, unveiled by the Home Office on August 30, 2025, is aimed at cutting net migration and prioritising British citizens in the job market. The Home Office revealed this in a statement on X.
US to raise visa fees
The United States government has unveiled a revised visa framework that will take effect in 2026, introducing higher application fees, stricter documentation requirements, and longer processing times for African travellers. The changes will affect citizens of Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, and several other countries.
The U.S. says the update comes in response to rising visa demand from Africa and heightened security concerns. Currently, South Africans enjoy limited visa-free entry under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for short visits.
Source: Legit.ng
