Net Zero Migration Update: UK

I've written before on changes to the naturalization test in the US and noted this was just the start of a wave of policy proposals from countries with immigration surpluses. Around the same time Sweden announced stricter family reunification rules.

Shortly after my post we saw more stringent assimilation proposals in France, and 2 weeks back the UK published an "update" to their zero policy on migration. Their white paper has been circulating for some time, and the government provided an update here that is not very substantive IMO.

It essentially re-states what's in the white paper, but I find the important bit is it does signal that they are serious about moving from a distant policy proposal to concrete measures for their "Winter of Action." The 3 biggest points for me (though this will likely vary based on your situation, so I recommend reading the whole article) are:

• The default qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) / settlement will be increased from 5 years to 10 years.
• There will be opportunities to “earn” a shorter route through “Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society.”
  • While these still aren't super clear, it's similar to what the USCIS has proposed: volunteer service, avoiding a criminal record, etc.
• Exemptions were foreseen but not confirmed: dependents of British citizens may remain eligible under a 5-year route, for example, and certain other categories (e.g. victims of abuse, etc.) would receive protections.