New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- The Labour government has announced a major shift in immigration policy, requiring foreign workers in the United Kingdom to wait twice as long to qualify for permanent residency. In addition to the extended waiting period, migrants will now have to satisfy a "series of new tests" to demonstrate their commitment to becoming integrated members of British society.

British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the policy on Monday at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool. Under the new proposals, individuals will have to earn the right to claim Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - the status that provides working rights, access to state benefits, and a clear path to eventual citizenship. Crucially, applicants will n...