Khabarmala Correspondent

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to introduce major changes to its immigration system, including extending the standard qualifying period for permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) from five years to 10 years.

According to the UK government’s estimates, the proposed changes could affect more than 500,000 migrants, including Nepali nationals working in the country on skilled worker visas.

Raju Thapa, a Nepalese immigration lawyer who has been practising in the UK for 19 years, said the new arrangements could have significant implications for Nepali migrant workers.

Although the government has proposed a standard 10-year settlement period for migrants, certain categories of workers will remain eligible to apply for permanent settlement after three or five years, depending on their annual income and visa category.

“Those earning an annual salary of £50,271 will be eligible to apply for settlement after five years, while holders of Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas earning £125,141 annually will be able to apply after three years,” Thapa said. “However, the question is how many workers can actually meet the income thresholds set by the government.”

According to Thapa, a large proportion of Nepali workers in the UK are employed in the hospitality industry, particularly hotels and restaurants, as well as the care sector.

Workers in these sectors are likely to find it difficult to meet the government’s proposed income requirements.

Those unable to meet the required income threshold within five years may have to extend their visas for another five years before becoming eligible for permanent settlement.

Thapa said this could increase the financial burden of visa renewals and create additional uncertainty about continued employment.

“Many Nepalis have come to the UK to work in restaurants. Even chefs and restaurant managers may struggle to meet the government’s proposed salary threshold,” he said.

Nepali Students and Skilled Workers Could Also Be Affected

The proposed changes could also affect Nepali nationals who initially entered the UK on student visas.

After completing their studies, graduates may find employment sponsors and switch to skilled worker visas during their Graduate visa period. However, under the new arrangements, they could face a much longer wait before becoming eligible for permanent settlement.

Thapa said finding an employer capable of offering the salary required under the new rules could be particularly challenging.

He also warned about increasing cases of immigration-related fraud involving international students seeking skilled worker visas.

According to him, some intermediaries have been charging between £15,000 and £20,000 by promising to arrange employment and work visas through fraudulent Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

He advised prospective applicants to verify job offers directly with the sponsoring companies rather than relying on intermediaries.

“Applicants should proceed with the visa process only after the company has conducted an interview and formally offered them employment,” he said.

Most Nepali Workers Earn Between £25,000 and £35,000 Annually

Deepak Bhattarai, president of the Britain Nepal Lawyers Association, also believes the proposed changes could disproportionately affect Nepali workers.

According to Bhattarai, most Nepalis employed in the UK earn between £25,000 and £35,000 annually.

As a result, only a relatively small number may be able to meet the proposed annual income threshold of more than £50,000.

“Less than 10 percent of skilled Nepali workers earn £50,000 annually. Most are working on salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000,” Bhattarai said. “Setting this income threshold effectively pushes many migrants from the five-year settlement route into a 10-year route.”

He said extending the settlement period would also increase the financial burden on migrant workers.

Those required to remain on temporary visas for an additional five years would have to continue paying visa renewal fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

This could result in thousands of pounds in additional expenses for individual workers. The financial burden would be even greater for migrants living in the UK with their families.

Special Provisions for Care Workers

The government has proposed separate arrangements for workers in the care sector.

Care workers who arrived in the UK before May 2025, complied with their visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 annually will remain eligible to apply for permanent settlement after five years.

Those who fail to meet the required conditions will be allowed to extend their care visas for another five years.

Bhattarai said the provision could affect Nepalis who have recently entered the UK through care worker visas.

Family separation is another major concern for Nepalis employed in the care sector.

As new care workers are generally restricted from bringing dependent family members to the UK, extending the settlement period to 10 years could force many to remain separated from their families for a prolonged period.

Sponsorship Licence Cancellations Add to Workers’ Uncertainty

The UK Home Office has revoked the sponsorship licences of more than 1,800 companies accused of abusing the system for recruiting foreign workers in the care sector.

According to Bhattarai, some companies in recent years have established fake or paper-based businesses to recruit workers from Nepal, India and African countries under the pretext of providing employment.

Some workers have reportedly paid between NPR 1.5 million and NPR 2.5 million through agents to secure employment in the UK. However, after arriving, several have allegedly failed to receive the jobs promised in their contracts. In some cases, fake attendance records have reportedly been created to make it appear that workers were employed.

When an employer loses its sponsorship licence, workers employed by that company can face serious immigration difficulties.

Bhattarai said the Home Office generally informs affected workers that their visa period has been curtailed and gives them an opportunity to find another licensed sponsor and apply for a new visa.

In most cases, workers are required to find another employer holding a valid sponsorship licence and submit a new visa application within 60 days.

Finding a new employer within such a short period can be difficult, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. Some intermediaries reportedly take advantage of the situation by demanding additional money in exchange for promises to arrange new sponsorship.

Additional Requirements for Permanent Settlement

Under the proposed arrangements, applicants seeking permanent settlement will also have to satisfy additional requirements.

These include having a clean criminal record, demonstrating a high level of English-language proficiency, having no outstanding government debt and maintaining a record of National Insurance contributions.

The UK government conducted a public consultation on the proposed immigration changes in November 2025.

Following consideration of the responses received, the Home Office published a revised framework on November 2, 2026.

However, detailed implementation guidelines and the corresponding amendments to the UK’s Immigration Rules are still awaited.

The government has indicated that the new arrangements will not apply to individuals who have already obtained permanent settlement status or those whose settlement applications are already under consideration.

For Nepali workers, students and families living in the UK, the proposed changes could have far-reaching implications for long-term settlement plans, employment stability, financial commitments and family reunification.