Appearing before the Home Affairs Select Committee on 24 September 2026, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the government will publish full draft regulations for its Earned Settlement policy “before Christmas”. The statement, covered by the Electronic Immigration Network, reassures MPs that businesses will have at least three months to adjust compliance processes before the April 2027 launch. Mahmood reiterated that the standard route to indefinite leave to remain will lengthen from five to ten years, but hinted at possible transitional concessions for migrants already part-way through the process. She also dismissed suggestions that the reforms would undermine the UK’s attractiveness to global talent, arguing that a clearer, points-based pathway would “reward genuine contribution”. Select-committee members pressed the minister on whether retrospective application is lawful; Mahmood said advice from the Attorney-General’s Office confirms it would withstand legal challenge provided notice periods are adequate. Employers remain concerned that retrospective changes could disrupt succession planning for mid-career assignees expecting settlement in 2028–29. The Home Office is expected to open a short technical consultation on the draft regulations in November. Corporate mobility teams should diarise the release, as it will clarify evidentiary requirements—such as HMRC tax printouts and community-engagement certificates—that staff will need to gather well in advance of application.
Source: Electronic Immigration Network
