Keep ILR duration at 5 years for NHS workers and engineers
The Issue
I am a dedicated NHS health worker who has devoted several years to serving the British community. Like me, many NHS workers and engineer expatriates have chosen to make the UK our home, contributing significantly to society through high taxes and unwavering commitment to our professions. However, the government's decision to increase the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 to 10 years now threatens our stability and future in this country.
As a legal immigrant, I took the pledge of the UK government seriously, believing in the promise that my contributions would be acknowledged through a pathway to permanent residency after five years of diligent service. This sudden policy shift feels like a betrayal to not only myself but also to countless professionals who are the backbone of critical services in the UK.
The impact of this decision is profound. For someone like me who has made the UK their home, this change places our future in uncertainty. We don’t claim benefits as per our visa requirements , relying solely on our incomes and paying our dues to the society through high taxes. An extended ILR requirement means being tethered to the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for an unsustainable number of years, living in constant fear of job insecurity.
The UK is thriving because of the invaluable contributions of its immigrant professionals. We are here not to take, but to give and grow alongside this nation. It is critical that the government honours its initial commitment. By keeping the ILR duration at five years for NHS health workers and engineer expats, the UK acknowledges the hard work and dedication we have demonstrated, reinforcing trust in government pledges.
Join me in calling on the UK government to reconsider this policy change. Let us urge decision-makers to maintain the ILR duration at five years, recognising the immense contributions by people like us. Sign this petition to show your support for fair and just treatment of NHS workers and engineer expats who enrich British society every day.
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The Issue
I am a dedicated NHS health worker who has devoted several years to serving the British community. Like me, many NHS workers and engineer expatriates have chosen to make the UK our home, contributing significantly to society through high taxes and unwavering commitment to our professions. However, the government's decision to increase the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 to 10 years now threatens our stability and future in this country.
As a legal immigrant, I took the pledge of the UK government seriously, believing in the promise that my contributions would be acknowledged through a pathway to permanent residency after five years of diligent service. This sudden policy shift feels like a betrayal to not only myself but also to countless professionals who are the backbone of critical services in the UK.
The impact of this decision is profound. For someone like me who has made the UK their home, this change places our future in uncertainty. We don’t claim benefits as per our visa requirements , relying solely on our incomes and paying our dues to the society through high taxes. An extended ILR requirement means being tethered to the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for an unsustainable number of years, living in constant fear of job insecurity.
The UK is thriving because of the invaluable contributions of its immigrant professionals. We are here not to take, but to give and grow alongside this nation. It is critical that the government honours its initial commitment. By keeping the ILR duration at five years for NHS health workers and engineer expats, the UK acknowledges the hard work and dedication we have demonstrated, reinforcing trust in government pledges.
Join me in calling on the UK government to reconsider this policy change. Let us urge decision-makers to maintain the ILR duration at five years, recognising the immense contributions by people like us. Sign this petition to show your support for fair and just treatment of NHS workers and engineer expats who enrich British society every day.
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Petition created on 6 October 2025