Qualifying Period for Settlement 2025-06-02
2025-06-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Kamala moved to the UK in 2021 as a skilled worker in Oxfordshire. She has made significant professional contributions, including developing novel drugs for diseases without current treatments. The proposed increase of the standard qualifying period from five to ten years has caused uncertainty for individuals like Kamala.
Kamala moved to the UK in 2021 as a skilled worker in my Oxfordshire constituency. They worked to discover novel drugs for diseases with no current treatment. They are an additional rate taxpayer and have made many professional and personal ties here. The sudden increase to the qualifying period from five to ten years has plunged hard-working people like Kamala into uncertainty about their future. Will the Minister meet me to understand the impact of the policy not just on workers like Kamala but on the Government’s wider science and research objectives?
The changes are indeed important. We recognise how important they are to people and will listen to what people tell us in the consultation. After that we will provide details of how the scheme will work, including in respect of any transitional arrangements for those already in the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to meeting with the MP or discussing specific science and research objectives.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Emily is a carer in Harlow who has cared for multiple individuals within the community. The proposed earned settlement scheme may impact her and other essential workers from overseas.
My constituent Emily asked me to raise this issue in the House only yesterday, so I am taking the first opportunity to do so. Emily is a carer and has cared for a number of people across the Harlow community. Will the consultation on the earned settlement scheme take into account the hugely important role that carers, sometimes from overseas, do to support the most vulnerable in our communities?
Indeed, carers, including those who have come from overseas, do important work to support us, our families and our communities. My hon. Friend will recognise that, as I have said, it is important for us to ensure that people’s voices can be heard in the consultation. We recognise that settlement is an important step in integrating and contributing to local communities and families.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide details on how carers' contributions would specifically influence the consultation or scheme outcomes.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The immigration White Paper may affect refugee families seeking to reunite with their loved ones in the UK through a family reunion route.
Another group for whom the immigration White Paper is creating uncertainty is refugee families. Family reunion is a vital route by which refugees can safely reach the UK, free from the grasps of criminal trafficking gangs. The Government should be looking for more ways to facilitate refugee family reunion, not hindering it. It is unclear how the White Paper’s reforms on English language requirements will apply to refugee family reunion. Will the Minister acknowledge the needs of this unique and vulnerable group? Is she able to provide clarity on the level of English language proficiency that people who apply for refugee family reunion will be expected to have once the reforms are implemented?
I thank the hon. Member for her question. She will know that in the immigration White Paper we have referenced that we will be looking at reform of the family rules, and we will be consulting on that.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific clarity or recognition of refugee needs and future English language requirements.
Response accuracy