Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government further to the announcement by the Home Secretary on 2 March that refugee protection is to be reviewed every 30 months, whether earned settlement will still exist for those with a legitimate right to be in the UK, seeking continuing leave to remain and a pathway to naturalisation.

From 2 March 2026, adults and accompanied children who qualify for refugee status and humanitarian protection will be granted Core Protection for 30 months, which can be renewed as necessary. Those who remain on Core Protection can apply for settlement after 20 years.

However, refugees will be encouraged, where possible, to switch into a new, bespoke protection work and study route which will enable them to access settlement rights sooner. Settlement remains the normal route to naturalisation as a British citizen, which will continue to be available to those who meet the statutory requirements set out in the British Nationality Act 1981.