A pro-immigration petition has condemned a new government rule as unfair to migrants, particularly those already granted asylum or humanitarian protection. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced in March that the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) should increase from five years to ten. ILR grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and to apply for benefits if eligible.
Petition calls for exemption for current asylum holders
A petition launched to challenge the change urges the government to exempt all individuals who have already been granted asylum or humanitarian protection from the proposed extension. It states: "Exempt all individuals already granted asylum or humanitarian protection from any proposed changes to increase the ILR qualifying period. Maintain the 5-year route to settlement for these groups to ensure fairness, aid integration, and honour the established commitment."
The petition argues that increasing the ILR period from five to ten years for people already granted asylum is unfair, as they were granted protection under the established five-year route. It warns that the change "causes immense anxiety and hinders their ability to fully integrate and rebuild their lives." At the time of writing, the petition has garnered 3,627 signatures. If it reaches 10,000, the government would respond; if it hits 100,000, it would be considered for debate by MPs.
Second petition criticises retrospective application
A separate petition, with 2,243 signatures, argues that the changes should not be applied retrospectively to individuals already on the ILR route. It states: "We believe applying the new, stricter rules retroactively is unfair to migrants who have already met current settlement requirements. Many have made important life decisions based on the existing system. We urge the Government to honour these commitments by exempting those currently on the ILR route and providing transitional protections. Retrospective changes could risk causing hardship, uncertainty, and financial loss, which may undermine fairness and trust in the immigration system."
Home Secretary defends policy
In March, Ms Mahmood told MPs: "For those who come to this country, who can contribute to our national life, I am clear they should have a path to settlement, and ultimately citizenship. I want people to put down roots in this country, to contribute to our national life. But it is essential that the privilege of living in this country forever is earned, and not automatic." She added that the government is currently reviewing responses to its consultation on the new settlement rules.
