IRC UK responds to Home Secretary’s earned settlement announcement

London, United Kingdom, November 2, 2026 — Flora Alexander, Executive Director of IRC UK, said, “A route to settlement that takes up to 30 years means people will be left in limbo for more than a third of their lifetime. Those who have fled conflict and persecution should have the chance to rebuild their lives, not put them on hold for decades.

“Refugees want to learn English, train, work and contribute to their communities. Certainty about their future helps them do that, and everyone benefits. Prolonged uncertainty undermines integration and the strong, connected communities the Government says it wants to build.

“Safe routes to the UK remain extremely limited for many people fleeing conflict and persecution. Anyone legally recognised as a refugee should be able to apply for settlement after five years, however they arrived. “If work can shorten the route to settlement, refugees will need consistent, tailored support to get into jobs.

And people who can’t work, because of disability or childcare responsibilities for example, must not be punished with the longest wait.”