The UK government is looking to change the game on immigration with plans to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten. This proposed overhaul means that migrants will need to clock in more years before securing their settlement status, which is framed as an incentive for long-term economic contribution rather than a mere right after a specific timeframe. Let’s unravel what this means for businesses and visa holders.
Key Points
- The proposed change extends the ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years.
- Legal uncertainty heightened for current migrants regarding their eligibility and transitional provisions.
- Businesses may face increased sponsorship costs and complexity in workforce planning.
- The Immigration Skills Charge has increased by 32%, impacting employer costs.
- Alternatives like the Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas may be worth exploring.
Why should I read this?
If you’re a UK business or considering working in the UK, this article is a must-read! It dives into how upcoming immigration changes could rock your plans and workforce strategy. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared, so let us cut through the jargon and keep you in the know!
