In the early hours of 12 November, Sky News’ rolling politics live-blog reported that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will set out detailed immigration rule changes in a Commons statement this afternoon. According to advance briefings seen by Sky’s political team, the package will implement the new Earned Settlement framework and introduce several short-term measures that take immediate effect. Key expected announcements include: • A six-month grace period for Skilled Worker visa-holders already in the UK to switch employers without re-entering the sponsorship process, designed to ease labour-market flexibility ahead of the longer ILR timetable. • Creation of a “Public Service Discount” allowing teachers, nurses and police officers on sponsored visas to settle after eight rather than ten years, reflecting their societal contribution. • An increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge from £1,035 to £1,500 per adult per year from April 2027, with a lower £800 rate for public-service occupations. • Confirmation that time spent on Youth Mobility or Graduate visas will no longer count towards settlement from 1 January 2027. Sky notes that the prime minister wants the reforms wrapped into a single Statutory Instrument before Christmas. Opposition parties are expected to challenge the ten-year standard pathway as “arbitrary and economically damaging”, while business groups will welcome the employer-switching concession. Employers should anticipate updated sponsor guidance within days and be ready to adjust Certificate of Sponsorship timelines and budget for higher surcharge costs.
Source: Sky News – Politics live blog
