Debate summary on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), held on 8 September 2025
Summary of Westminster Hall debate on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), held on 8 September 2025, following e-petitions concerning the five-year pathway for Skilled Worker and British National (Overseas) (BNO) Hong Kong visa holders
Overview & Opening Remarks
The debate, led by Ben Goldsborough (Lab), responds to public petitions asking the government to preserve the five-year ILR pathway for both Skilled Worker visa holders and BNO visa holders from Hong Kong. He emphasised the need for managed migration that supports the economy, NHS, and social cohesion, not populist slogans
Skilled Worker Visa Holders
Concern was raised that many are close to the five-year threshold and would lose certainty if the requirement changes.
MPs highlighted risks of exploitation, with a suggestion that extending the pathway could worsen conditions for vulnerable workers.
Calls were made for fairness and clarity: retaining the current pathway for those already in the UK, and providing an economic impact assessment before changes are applied
BNO Hong Kong Visa Holders
Many MPs described BNO holders as arriving under a moral promise—especially in response to Beijing’s erosion of rights in Hong Kong.
It was noted that delaying ILR from five to ten years mid-way undermines trust, disrupts families, traps retirement funds, and hinders safety against transnational repression.
Several MPs contended that BNO holders face unique circumstances—granting them the five-year ILR route would uphold UK’s credibility and moral duty.
Broader Impacts & Cross-Sector Concerns
The extended threshold would have severe financial implications: doubling visa-related costs and immigration health surcharges.
Delays in ILR could prevent access to home university fees, restrict travel, and erode long-term integration.
The debate called for a fair system that values migrants’ contributions—especially those in essential sectors like health and research—and supports citizenship, not just ILR
MPs urged the government to:
Retain the five-year ILR route for both Skilled Worker and BNO visa holders already in the UK.
Avoid retrospective changes that upend expectations or ongoing immigration journeys.
Launch a transparent consultation, offering clarity on who qualifies for any “earned settlement” schemes.
Consider sector-specific visa arrangements (e.g., for social care) to protect workers from exploitation
In short, MPs across parties called for fairness, clarity, and moral consistency, highlighting that those already contributing to the UK under the five-year route should not be penalised by new policy changes applied retrospectively.
For more information or any inquiries, please contact 024752 78286 or email info@tulia.org.uk
