UK Minister Seema Malhotra has defended the government’s new immigration plans during a visit to India, citing a surge in asylum claims from international students as evidence of systemic “abuse.”
The proposed reforms would extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years, meaning some migrants could wait up to 20 years for permanent settlement. Malhotra stated the measures are “in line with what countries around the world do” to protect their systems.
Justifying the crackdown, she pointed to Home Office figures showing 16,000 students applied for asylum after their studies last year, with a further 14,800 this year. “If you see that level of abuse, it undermines your immigration system,” Malhotra argued, asserting that the government still “welcome[s] those coming legally.”
The plans, affecting an estimated 2.6 million people who have arrived since 2021, have received a cautious welcome from the opposition Conservatives but criticism from some within her own Labour party.
By James Kisoo
