London, United Kingdom — Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly considering relaxing key immigration reforms that could exempt up to 1.6 million migrants from a doubling of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), according to reports.
The “Boriswave” Exemption
The migrants in question — often referred to as the “Boriswave” — are those who arrived in the United Kingdom between 2021 and 2025 during the period of high immigration under the previous Conservative government led by Boris Johnson. This cohort, estimated at approximately 1.6 million people, is now approaching eligibility for permanent settlement in the UK.
Under the government’s proposed “earned settlement” reforms, the standard qualifying period for ILR was set to double from five years to ten years for most sponsored work routes. The reforms were outlined in the May 2025 white paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, with implementation initially planned for April 2026.
However, reports suggest that Home Secretary Mahmood may now be watering down these reforms, potentially exempting the Boriswave cohort from the extended qualifying period. This would mean that these migrants could continue to apply for ILR after five years rather than facing the proposed ten-year wait.
Andy Burnham’s Position
The issue has drawn attention from senior Labour figures, including Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham has reportedly backed Mahmood’s broader immigration crackdown despite facing backlash from within the Labour Party. His support for stricter immigration controls has positioned him as a key figure in the ongoing debate over the government’s immigration policy.
Background on the Earned Settlement Proposals
The government’s consultation on “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement,” launched in November 2025, proposed a significant shift from a fixed time-based system to one where settlement is based on measurable contribution. Under the proposed framework:
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Standard qualifying period: Extended from 5 to 10 years
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High earners (over £50,270): Could still qualify after 5 years
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Public sector workers (healthcare, teaching): Could qualify after 5 years
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Medium-skilled workers: Could face up to 15 years
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Refugees: Could face up to 20 years (unless arriving via resettlement programmes)
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Those who entered illegally or overstayed: Could face up to 30 years
The consultation also proposed stricter minimum requirements, including English language proficiency at B2 level (up from B1) and a personal income of at least £12,570 for three to five years.
Opposition and Concerns
The proposed changes have drawn criticism from immigration experts and human rights advocates. The Migration Observatory at Oxford University warned that a ten-year route to settlement would “make the UK more restrictive than most other high-income countries” and could create a “near-perpetual state of insecurity” for migrants.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has also raised concerns that the plans are “completely out of line with most of our counterparts” and could have “major implications for integration.”
What’s Next?
The final form of the policy remains uncertain. While the consultation period closed in February 2026, the government has yet to confirm whether the changes will apply retrospectively to those already in the UK or whether transitional arrangements will be put in place. The decision on whether to exempt the Boriswave cohort is expected to be a significant factor in the final policy outcome.
Disclaimer
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