"The surge reflects the ongoing impact of record immigration in the wake of the pandemic.
Arrivals peaked at 1.47million in 2023, the same year net migration – the number arriving minus those emigrating – hit a record 944,000.
Most migrants can currently qualify for ILR after spending five years legally in the UK, allowing them to access the full range of welfare benefits and, ultimately, to become British citizens.
Under Ms Mahmood's proposals, migrants who contribute to society would be rewarded with shorter waiting times for ILR."
Framing: assertive ·
First seen: 2026-09-07 ·
Last seen: 2026-09-07 ·
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