Ensure fair ILR opportunities for all skilled workers
The Issue
I am writing this petition out of concern and personal experience, as many of us, skilled workers, are facing an uncertain future regarding our Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK. Recently, a policy was announced by Shabana Mahmoud on November 2nd, which allowed care workers earning £25,000 annually and those who arrived before May 2025 to have a clearer path to ILR. While this is a welcome change for care workers, it creates a disparity for skilled workers who are not earning £50,000 annually.
Many skilled workers, like myself, moved to the UK with the expectation of obtaining ILR after five years of dedicated service and contribution to the UK economy. This was the understanding based on the rules in place at the time of our arrival. We have invested significantly, both financially and personally, into building a life here. Our children are enrolled in local schools, and we are active members in our communities.
It's important to recognize that the current policy does not extend the same fairness to all categories of skilled workers. Thousands of us have established our careers here, contributed to the economy, paid taxes, and adhered to all visa requirements, yet we find ourselves in a position where our future is uncertain simply because of the salary threshold that does not reflect the value of our skills and contributions.
The segregation in the policy is disheartening. A salary threshold of £50,000 is an unrealistic barrier that undermines the efforts of skilled workers in diverse fields. Many professions that are essential and significant to the UK economy and society do not offer salaries that meet this arbitrary threshold.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for a fair policy that recognizes the value of skilled workers contributing to the economy at all levels. We seek a revisited approach that allows skilled workers who meet the five-year requirement, regardless of salary, to be eligible for ILR. This would align with the initial promises and ensure fairness across all sectors.
Support equality and fairness for skilled workers in the UK by signing this petition. Together, we can urge policymakers to reconsider and implement a more inclusive and just policy.
932
The Issue
I am writing this petition out of concern and personal experience, as many of us, skilled workers, are facing an uncertain future regarding our Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK. Recently, a policy was announced by Shabana Mahmoud on November 2nd, which allowed care workers earning £25,000 annually and those who arrived before May 2025 to have a clearer path to ILR. While this is a welcome change for care workers, it creates a disparity for skilled workers who are not earning £50,000 annually.
Many skilled workers, like myself, moved to the UK with the expectation of obtaining ILR after five years of dedicated service and contribution to the UK economy. This was the understanding based on the rules in place at the time of our arrival. We have invested significantly, both financially and personally, into building a life here. Our children are enrolled in local schools, and we are active members in our communities.
It's important to recognize that the current policy does not extend the same fairness to all categories of skilled workers. Thousands of us have established our careers here, contributed to the economy, paid taxes, and adhered to all visa requirements, yet we find ourselves in a position where our future is uncertain simply because of the salary threshold that does not reflect the value of our skills and contributions.
The segregation in the policy is disheartening. A salary threshold of £50,000 is an unrealistic barrier that undermines the efforts of skilled workers in diverse fields. Many professions that are essential and significant to the UK economy and society do not offer salaries that meet this arbitrary threshold.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for a fair policy that recognizes the value of skilled workers contributing to the economy at all levels. We seek a revisited approach that allows skilled workers who meet the five-year requirement, regardless of salary, to be eligible for ILR. This would align with the initial promises and ensure fairness across all sectors.
Support equality and fairness for skilled workers in the UK by signing this petition. Together, we can urge policymakers to reconsider and implement a more inclusive and just policy.
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Petition created on 4 November 2026