Gavin Williamson
Main Page: Gavin Williamson (Conservative - Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge)Department Debates - View all Gavin Williamson's debates with the Home Office
Immigration: Earned Settlement
Gavin Williamson Excerpts(2 days, 23 hours ago)
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Shabana Mahmood
If my right hon. Friend’s constituent has met the terms of his visa, as I set out in my statement he will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain at five years. At the point of settlement, people are able to access the benefits system.
Sir Gavin Williamson (Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge) (Con)
Restricting access to public funds to those with settlement rights will most likely require primary legislation. When will such a Bill be brought forward?
Shabana Mahmood
The Government are not restricting benefits for those with settlement rights. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that not only does that require primarily legislation, but it would create two-tier settlement rights. The rules on no access to public funds apply before somebody can achieve settlement to make sure that those who have had to fall on the state to seek assistance are still working for a period before they apply for settlement.