Please sign and share

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727372

We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government and the Labour leadership to withdraw the proposed extension of the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years, and to guarantee that immigrants already legally residing in the UK will continue to be eligible for visa extensions and settlement under the rules in place when they entered.

This proposal would unfairly impact thousands of migrants who have followed UK immigration rules, paid taxes, supported public services, and built their lives in Britain. This includes:

Health and Care Worker visa holders

Skilled Worker visa holders (including NHS staff)

Family and spouse visa holders

Graduate visa holders progressing to work routes

Dependants of British citizens or settled persons

Other legal migrants contributing to UK society

These individuals form the backbone of many essential services and have made long-term life decisions—financial, familial, and professional—based on the current 5-year settlement framework.

They make vital contributions to the country—especially in the care sector, where chronic staffing shortages make their work essential to the wellbeing of vulnerable people.

Many have committed to the UK in good faith, planning their futures on the 5-year path to ILR that is now under threat.

To retroactively change the settlement timeline or restrict visa renewals would be unjust and damaging. It would:

Cause insecurity and distress for legal residents and their families

Undermine workforce stability in critical sectors like health and social care

Increase financial and administrative burdens through extended visa fees and surcharges

Erode trust in the fairness and consistency of the UK’s immigration system

We therefore urge the UK Government to:

1. Withdraw the proposal to increase the ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years

2. Guarantee that all legal migrants currently in the UK—including those on Health and Care Worker visas—remain eligible for visa extensions and settlement under the existing rules

3. Prioritise tackling illegal migration, not penalising law-abiding individuals who support the UK economy, care for its people, and uphold its values

Legal migration must be protected—not discouraged.

Those who follow the law and serve British society deserve certainty, dignity, and fairness—not longer wait times or broken promises.