I moved to Scotland three years ago as a Minister of Religion, serving the Dundee community. My wife and I have built our lives here and planned to apply for permanent residency in 2 years. Now, the UK government plans to change the rules to delay settlement to 10 years. That’s not fair to those of us who followed every rule and have sought to make a positive contribution to our UK community.

To the Home Secretary and Members of the UK Parliament:

We, the undersigned, urge the UK Government to reverse its proposed change to the immigration system that would extend the qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from 5 years to 10 years for many visa holders.

This policy change—outlined in the May 2025 White Paper Restoring Control Over the Immigration System—will unfairly punish immigrants who have already spent years contributing to the UK's economy, communities, and public services under the reasonable expectation that they could settle after five years.

Many of us have:

• Worked in essential roles, including health and social care, education, religious leadership, and skilled trades
• Integrated fully into our local communities, building families, supporting charities, and paying taxes
• Made long-term life plans—like buying homes or starting families—based on the 5-year path to settlement

Changing the rules mid-way through our lives here is not only unjust, but it creates unnecessary instability and anxiety for families who are already settled and contributing.

We support the principle of earned settlement, but this new 10-year requirement is excessive, counterproductive, and risks driving away skilled, committed people who want to make the UK their permanent home.

We call on the Government to:

1. Maintain the existing 5-year pathway to settlement for visa holders currently in the UK or who apply before new legislation comes into effect.
2. Introduce transitional protections for those already on settlement-track visas (e.g. Skilled Worker, Minister of Religion, Health and Care Worker).
3. Conduct a full impact assessment and public consultation before implementing such a sweeping change.

Britain has long been a nation that values fairness, stability, and contribution. Please don't turn your back on the people who have already built their lives here with those values in mind.

This petition is initiated by immigrants and families affected by the proposed settlement rule changes. We welcome support from all those who value fairness, stability, and human dignity in immigration policy.