UK Launches Inquiry Into Planned ILR & Citizenship Rule Changes (2025 Update). A new investigation into citizenship, integration, and settlement has been initiated by the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, coupled with a request for evidence to support its findings.
By January 23, 2026, the Committee requests written evidence from interested parties and organisations.
In the meanwhile, on February 12, 2026, the government will complete its consultation on how to improve the current settlement system and how to carry out such changes. As a result, companies, individuals, practitioners, and representative bodies have yet another chance to participate.
In the Immigration White Paper and the Policy Paper on Asylum and Returns, the government had suggested modifications to citizenship and settlement. These suggestions, along with the government’s longer-term plans for citizenship, are being examined by the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee. The investigation will also examine ways to support social cohesion and integration in the procedures leading to citizenship and permanent settlement.
The Committee is interested in hearing viewpoints from all four countries because these concerns impact the entire United Kingdom. The Committee is also interested in international comparisons and methods. The Committee invites those with prior experience gaining citizenship and ILR to testify.
The Committee is looking for evidence on the following topics:
Suggestions in the Policy Paper on Asylum and Returns and the Immigration White Paper
A historical and global perspective on British citizenship and settlement policy
The Procedure for Citizenship
Social Cohesion and Integration
By January 23, 2026, the Committee requests written evidence from interested parties and organisations. CLICK TO READ THE EVIDENCE CALL AND SUBMIT IT
According to polling, issues pertaining to immigration and asylum consistently rank among the most important to British voters, according to Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of the Justice and Home Affairs Committee. A significant revamp of the UK’s approach to citizenship and settlement is envisioned in the plans that the government is now consulting on. Millions of people will be affected by these changes, including many British citizens whose family members are on the path to obtaining UK citizenship or settled status. We want to know if they will make a system that many people currently find confusing even more complicated. It is imperative that the suggestions be thoroughly examined.
We are interested in the government’s long-term plans regarding citizenship policy in addition to the particular recommendations made during the consultation. The Committee has previously examined elements of the ILR and citizenship application process, particularly issues pertaining to the Life in the UK test. We are examining the entire process this time.
Concerns about immigration and the contributions of newcomers are not unique to the UK. The Danish approach to integration and settlement has received a lot of attention, but the Committee is interested in learning what other models may offer us. We want to establish what constitutes effective integration and whether the UK has been successfully fostering citizenship and integration.
We are eager to hear from a diverse range of perspectives, especially those who have firsthand knowledge of attaining British citizenship and effectively assimilating into UK society.
By January 23, 2026, the Committee requests written evidence from interested parties and organisations. CLICK TO READ THE EVIDENCE CALL AND SUBMIT IT