Indefinite leave to remain and settlement

That this House recognises that access to settlement and citizenship is vital for migrants’ security and stability, and strengthens the UK economically and socially; notes credible evidence that settlement accelerates economic participation, improves educational outcomes for children, and deepens social and civic integration; further notes that communities and local economies benefit when people are able to put down secure roots and plan for the future; expresses deep concern at proposals in the Immigration White Paper to extend the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years, doubling the time many will spend subject to no recourse to public funds and significantly increasing costs they must pay; further expresses concern that proposals made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to change the eligibility criteria for indefinite leave to remain will leave some people unable to ever access settlement; also notes that long routes to settlement, high application fees and bureaucratic requirements set by the Home Office, combined with no recourse to public funds, creates long-term financial insecurity, puts migrants at higher risk of poverty and is a driver of inequality; affirms that fair, affordable and timely routes to settlement are essential for equal opportunity and social cohesion; and calls on the Government to introduce a simpler, shorter and more affordable settlement process that recognises the broad nature of the contributions migrants make, avoids driving hardship, and supports stronger, more resilient communities across the UK.