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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 October 2025. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Monday, 13 October 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Surrey Heath

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of maintaining the five year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain for visa holders in Surrey Heath constituency.

Answer

The Government’s Immigration White Paper, published on 12 May 2025, announced new measures on a wide range of issues, including settlement.

This will include an expansion of the Points-Based System that will increase the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years. However, through the expansion of the Points-Based System, individuals will also have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on contributions to the UK economy and society.

I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the views of Members in the recent 8th September Westminster Hall Debate on settlement.

We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year. All will be welcome to participate. We will provide details of how the scheme will work after that consultation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
77383
Session
2024-26
Related items
Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Monday, 12 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Immigration Visas Surrey Heath
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk