Thursday 9 October 2025

Zeena Luchowa (Partner) has been quoted by Personnel Today in an article assessing prospective impacts on sponsored migrant workers, should the government proceed with its plans to extend the qualifying period for settlement in the UK from five to ten years. The article, published on Monday 29 September 2025, discusses Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s speech at Labour Party Conference where commitments to the policy were reiterated.

Zeena commented:

‘Shabana Mahmood’s comments on settlement proposals reflect an increasingly restrictive approach to what was outlined in the White Paper by the Government only a few months ago.

It appears that these measures are intended to supplement rather than replace the initial proposals, although further clarity on the detail and timing will be essential.

Employers and individuals who are already in the UK will undoubtedly be concerned as to how they will be impacted. As a minimum, it is crucial that the consultation on settlement, which we understand shall take place shortly, is clear and unambiguous, and also allows for sufficient engagement with stakeholders.’

You can read the full article here.