UK migrant families may be compelled to forgo valuable in-work benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to avoid penalties, according to new reports. This comes in light of a proposed migration policy overhaul by the Labour Party that could drastically extend the wait times for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Under the proposed reforms, migrants volunteering in their communities could qualify for ILR after five to seven years. However, those employed in medium-skilled jobs might have to wait up to 15 years. Refugees face an even longer wait of up to 20 years—unless they arrive through resettlement programmes. Meanwhile, non-refugees who entered the UK illegally or overstayed their visa could be forced to wait as long as 30 years.
Migration charity Ramfel has spoken with families likely to be impacted by these changes, and many say they would be left with “no choice” but to stop claiming DWP benefits if the proposals move forward. Nick Beales, Ramfel’s head of campaigning, warned: “Our research shows that Shabana Mahmood’s plans to penalise migrant parents for needing basic state support will plunge racialised British children into poverty. This is cruel and heartless, harming these children both now and in the future.”
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Beales added that government rhetoric on ending child poverty rings hollow if it excludes the children of migrants: “The government must immediately scrap plans to introduce the so-called earned settlement model and maintain existing settlement routes capped at five years. This is essential to protect the life chances of British children with migrant parents.”
One anonymous parent shared their frustration with The Guardian: “It feels like you have to choose between settlement and survival. After a decade of navigating paperwork and mental health challenges, we’re being punished further. What message does this send? That the hardship continues because ten years isn’t enough? We’re given access only to have it taken away again.”