I sold all my belongings to relocate to the UK, moving my entire life with the aspiration to settle down permanently with my family. Like many others who moved under the promise of obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, I aimed to integrate fully into British society, contribute to the UK economy, and build a stable future for my family.

However, the recent news that the government plans to change the ILR policy, potentially extending the qualifying period beyond five years, has left us in a state of uncertainty and distress. This abrupt shift in policy is not only unfair but also goes against what many of us were initially promised.

The decision to relocate is monumental, demanding sacrifices like selling properties, quitting stable jobs, and uprooting our families from familiar environments. This decision was made based on commitments from the UK government that ILR could be secured after fulfilling a five-year residency requirement. Altering this agreement retroactively undermines trust and places undue stress on families who have built their lives around this assurance.

To revoke or modify such a significant promise harms not only individuals and families but also the broader society, which benefits from the economic contributions and cultural diversity we bring. Keeping the promise of ILR after five years is crucial for maintaining trust in the immigration system and ensuring continuity for those who are committed to the UK's future.

I urge the Home Office and the UK government to uphold the original ILR timeline promised to current residents under agreements that were in place when we made our life-changing decisions. The integrity of governmental promises must be maintained to preserve the dignity and well-being of countless families like mine.

Please sign this petition to encourage the government to protect the rights and agreements that motivated us to invest in the UK's future, secure in the knowledge that we would be welcomed and settled as permanent residents after five years.