Shabana Mahmood Answers MPs’ Questions: Why Moving the Goalposts

Описание: If your UK settlement plan is based on 5 years to ILR, this update could directly affect your future.

In recent parliamentary sessions, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faced sustained questions from MPs about proposed UK immigration reforms, including a move toward earned settlement and a possible extension of the standard indefinite leave to remain qualifying period from five years to ten years.

This is not social media speculation.
This is now on the parliamentary record.

I’m Kayani, a London-based UK immigration solicitor, regulated in England and Wales, with more than 20 years’ experience. Kayani Legal is a LEXCEL-accredited law firm. In this live session, I break down what MPs asked, how the Home Office responded, and—most importantly—what this means in practice for people already living and working in the UK.

⚠️ Critical legal point (do not ignore):
Immigration applications are generally assessed under the Immigration Rules in force on the date you APPLY, not the date you became eligible. This was explicitly confirmed to MPs. That single principle can change outcomes dramatically if rules tighten.

In this video, I explain:

• What earned settlement means and why the government is signalling a 10-year ILR baseline
• Why MPs described the proposals as “moving the goalposts” and potentially retrospective
• Who could qualify faster (for example, high earners or global talent routes) and who could wait longer
• How public funds and benefits may extend the settlement qualifying period
• Why care workers and lower-paid sectors are central to this debate
• The risks for dependants, families, and children on 2.5-year extension cycles
• What transitional arrangements might look like for people already on a route to settlement
• The single biggest mistake people make when they delay ILR applications

This matters if you are on:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care visa
• Family or spouse route
• 10-year long residence route
• A work route with dependants
• Any path leading to permanent residence in the UK

The Home Office has also confirmed that net migration added around 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024, and that around 1.6 million people could settle between 2026 and 2030. These figures explain why settlement policy—not just entry visas—is now under intense political pressure.

During the Home Affairs Committee session, MPs repeatedly raised concerns about:
• Retrospective impact on migrants already living lawfully in the UK
• Skills shortages, particularly in health and social care
• Children being left in legal limbo
• Repeated application fees every 2.5 years
• The framing of settlement as a “privilege, not a right”

I also explain how Article 8 (family life), discretion, and proportionality arguments may interact with stricter settlement rules going forward—without exaggeration or fear-mongering.

📺 LIVE STREAM DETAILS
🗓 Saturday, 7 February 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM (UK time)

Use the live chat to ask questions. I will prioritise issues raised by viewers who comment their route + years completed.

📌 Practical guidance you’ll get from this session:
• Whether you should apply now or wait
• How to protect your lawful residence “clock”
• What documents and evidence to prepare early
• When switching routes may (or may not) make sense
• Common refusal risks that can add YEARS to settlement

📞 Professional advice
If you need tailored advice, Kayani Legal offers fixed-fee consultations focused on settlement planning, timing strategy, and risk prevention.

Phone: 0208 478 5797
Email: [email protected]
Website: kayanilegal.co.uk

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Important note: This video provides general information only and is not legal advice for your specific case. Immigration outcomes depend on individual circumstances, evidence, and timing.

[00:00] Why ILR Rules May Change in 2026
[02:00] Planning Life Around 5 Years: Why This Feels Unfair
[04:00] Earned Settlement Explained: From 5 Years to 10
[06:00] High Earners, Global Talent & Faster Settlement
[08:00] Care Sector & Dependants: The Real Numbers Behind Policy
[10:00] Public Funds, Benefits & Longer Settlement Risks
[12:00] “Moving the Goalposts”: MPs Push Back
[14:00] Children, Families & Repeated Visa Fees
[16:00] Transitional Protection: What Existing Migrants Need to Know
[18:00] The Golden Rule: Which Immigration Rules Apply
[20:00] What to Do If You’re Near ILR Eligibility
[22:00] Final Thoughts + What I’ll Explain Next

#UKImmigration #ILR #EarnedSettlement #VisaUpdate #HomeOffice #LondonSolicitor #SpouseVisaUK #CareWorkerVisa #ImmigrationSolicitor #Ilford #kayanilegal