Revealed: The true toll of ‘punishing’ 10-year process endured by thousands wanting to settle in the UK

‘This is no way to treat people who have made, and will continue to make, their lives in the UK’

People working in the UK who want to settle here permanently are being forced into financial hardship, mental stress and insecurity, according to a new report into the 10-year immigration route.

An estimated 170,000 people are on the route, which allows foreign nationals to apply for indefinite leave to remain if they’ve been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years.

While on the pathway, people must reapply for leave to remain in the country every 30 months - with fees for adults exceeding £12,800 per person over the ten years. The majority of people on the route do not have access to any state benefits, but support themselves through work - often as care workers, cleaners and nursing assistants.