UK Government Announces Major Reform to Tighten Permanent Residence Requirements
The British government has announced a major reform plan to tighten the conditions for obtaining permanent residence in the UK. This decision, which comes in a tense political context surrounding immigration, directly affects Tunisian nationals living in the country or wishing to settle there permanently.
New Requirements for Permanent Residence
According to the new guidelines unveiled by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, foreigners will now have to reside in the UK for 10 years instead of 5 to be eligible for permanent residence. In addition to this doubled duration, candidates will have to meet stricter criteria:
- Advanced English language proficiency
- Stable employment
- Independence from social welfare
- No criminal record
- Regular social security contributions
- Engagement in local volunteer activities
Impact on Tunisian Nationals
Tunisian nationals, who have been present in the UK for several years, are directly impacted by this tightening. Many came as students, skilled workers, or under family reunification schemes. The possibility of obtaining permanent residence after 5 years was, until now, an achievable goal for many Tunisian nationals. Now, this goal has become more difficult to attain.
Government Justification
The British authorities justify this reform by a desire to better control legal immigration and ensure that foreigners make a real contribution to society. In 2024, no less than 163,000 people obtained permanent residence, a 35% increase compared to the previous year. This progression has raised concerns within the Labour government, already under pressure from the rise of the far-right Reform UK party, which advocates for the complete abolition of permanent residence.
Official Announcement and Reaction
Shabana Mahmood will deliver an official speech in Liverpool to present the details of the plan. She will defend a firm line while rejecting the "extreme" proposals of the far right. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has himself denounced these ideas as "immoral and racist," while affirming that his government will maintain control over immigration without giving in to excesses.
A New Strategy for Integration
For Tunisian nationals residing in the UK, this reform marks a turning point. It imposes a new integration strategy: it will no longer be enough to simply reside legally, but to prove active contribution to British society. This implies additional effort, particularly for young graduates, families in the process of regularization, or temporary workers.
Debate and Uncertainty
The project has not yet been voted on, but the debate has begun. In the Tunisian diaspora, between concerns and uncertainties, many hope that the government will relax certain conditions before the reform comes into effect.
