# Mahmood’s ‘Reform-lite’ migrant crackdown was nonsense, top economist claims

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mahmoods-reform-lite-migrant-crackdown-was-nonsense-top-economist-claims/
- Published: 2026-11-02T14:53:56+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T01:27:41+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/shabana-mahmood-immigration-rules-migrants-care-workers-b3077493.html
- Topics: Business, Elections, Government, Markets, Politics

## Key points

- Mahmood has reduced the proposed wait for some care workers.
- An economist says the policy’s rationale and savings claims are weak.
- IPPR estimates migrants nearing settlement will contribute about £115bn.

## Summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has softened proposed settlement rules for migrant care workers after opposition from campaigners and Labour MPs. Economist Jonathan Portes says the policy has backfired, arguing it lacks a coherent economic case and could deter workers who contribute substantially to public finances.

Under the revised plan, care workers earning more than £25,000 a year can apply for permanent settlement after five years; most other migrants would wait 10 years. Portes disputes the government’s initial estimate of £10 billion in savings, putting the likely figure at £575 million, while IPPR analysis estimates migrants approaching settlement will make a net lifetime contribution of about £115 billion. Mahmood also proposed a 20-year settlement wait for refugees arriving by small boat, rising to 30 years for those who do not work or study.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.