# UK doubles wait for permanent residency, with care workers exempt

https://mins.news/en/item/126561

- Al Jazeera, 2026-11-03 04:48 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/3/uk-to-double-wait-for-permanent-residency-with-exemptions-for-care-workers?traffic_source=rss

> The UK has revised its immigration rules so most foreign workers must wait 10 years to qualify for permanent residency, while higher earners can apply sooner. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said hundreds of thousands of care workers will be exempt. Refugees arriving by small boat may have to wait up to 30 years.

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