Recommendation 1

The Government has developed the proposals in its Earned Settlement consultation to respond to the unprecedented levels of immigration to the country in recent years, particularly of medium-skilled workers. We recognise that the Government is responding to a challenging situation, as a large number of people will soon become eligible for settlement due to the recent spike in immigration, especially in 2022–23. We support the Government’s stated aim to promote contribution and improve the fiscal impact migration has on the UK. It is not possible to be certain of the impacts of the changes, especially in the absence of a finalised policy. There may be direct fiscal benefits for extending routes to settlement for some migrants, especially in the short-term, but there is a risk that the changes will undermine integration, which any changes should seek to promote. It is important that the Home Office thoroughly assesses the impacts of its final policy, before implementation. (Conclusion, Paragraph 16) Assessing contribution Mandatory minimum income