- we intend the
settlement reforms will affect those workers who entered economic migration routes under
the Immigration Rules in force from 6 April this year and who, under the current system,
could have expected to apply for settlement in 2016.

— We propose to reposition Tier 2 as a
temporary route, predominantly a means of filling short-term skills shortages in the UK
labour market. Most Tier 2 migrants should expect to leave the UK after a maximum of five
years in the UK. In future, only a tightly controlled minority will be permitted to stay
permanently, where it is in the interests of the UK to do so.