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Huge changes to legal migration rules announced that could affect millions

Mahmood swears in Commons as she says she has been a victim of racial slurs

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a significant shake-up to the UK's legal migration rules, stating that settlement is a "privilege, not a right" that must be earned.
The new "contribution-based model" will introduce mandatory conditions for settlement, including a clean criminal record, three years of National Insurance contributions, and A-level standard English proficiency.
The default qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will increase from five to ten years, with variations based on an individual's contributions or circumstances.
Qualifying periods can be reduced for high taxpayers, global talent, and public service workers, but extended for benefit claimants, illegal entrants, and the 'Boris-wave' cohort.
Illegal entrants could face a wait of up to 30 years for long-term residency, though existing settled status holders will not be affected by these new rules.