Thank you to constituents for contacting me about internationally educated nursing staff (IENs) and the proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
We greatly value our international workforce and the skills and experience they bring. International recruitment has played a valuable role in helping grow the adult social care workforce, and it has given the health and care sectors the benefit of the skill and commitment of overseas workers who wish to work in the UK.
Migration is now a part of our national story – contributing to our economy, public services, businesses and communities. Because of this, it is important we ensure that it continues to work to unite the country, creating a system that is fair and properly managed.
I appreciate that many people may have felt apprehensive following the recent announcements about the plans for changes to the immigration system, especially proposals to double the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years.
As you say, doctors and nurses working in the NHS will be able to settle after five years, and it is right that the Government has recognised the contributions they make. There are plans to introduce conditions that could reduce the baseline 10-year qualifying period for those who are valuable to our public life, which includes doctors, teachers, and nurses, as well as those who have volunteered extensively in their local communities. However, I appreciate that more clarity is needed for IENs working in the independent sector and social care settings specifically.
The Government recently ran a consultation on settled status, which also considered views on transitional arrangements and whether benefits should be available to those with settled status. This closed on 12 February 2026. I look forward to the outcome of this consultation, as I am confident that Ministers will soon provide clarity on its proposed changes to the immigration system.
I will continue to follow developments in this area and support efforts to ensure our immigration system is fair and well-managed.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland