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Written question asked by Yuan Yang (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: Skilled Workers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what cost-benefit analysis her Department has made of lengthening routes to settlement for skilled workers already in the UK.

Answer

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.

As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact to visa holders already in the UK, including skilled workers. We also consulted on salary thresholds, which were selected as they equate to the current thresholds for payment of Income Tax, and any alternative measures or potential exemptions.

We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development and deliverability of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.

Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
750
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cost benefit analysis Immigration Migrant workers Skilled workers
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk