The UK Government recently proposed a major shift in immigration policy—extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 to 10 years. If applied retrospectively, this change would impact an estimated 1.5 million skilled migrant workers already living and contributing in the UK since 2020.
This decision has sparked serious concern among the migrant community. Many individuals and families made long-term life plans—including home ownership, education, business investment, and career development—based on the existing five-year settlement promise.
Applying such a change to those already in the UK is widely seen as unfair and destabilising, especially when migrants have followed the rules, paid taxes, supported essential sectors, and built strong community ties.
Moreover, the policy appears to be politically driven, introduced in the lead-up to a general election. It disregards the human impact of policy reversals and undermines the trust migrants place in the UK’s immigration system. These are individuals who have come to the UK to contribute—not to take. They are professionals, innovators, caregivers, and taxpayers who are helping to rebuild and grow the UK economy. It is crucial to highlight the dedication, hard work, and positive impact of these individuals, who are not a burden but an asset to the nation.
The creation of the Existing Skilled Migrant Forum (ESMF) is a response to this moment—a platform to champion the positive role skilled migrants play in British society, and to push back against narratives that overlook their contributions.