Kritika 
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The UK government has made some significant proposals to the eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Major changes are being proposed to what people are eligible for in terms of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and UK care workers are in the spotlight. As part of the plans, those with Health and Care Worker visas could be left waiting up to 15 years for permanent residency, compared to the current five years. It’s triggered a fierce political row. There’s some information you should know.
https://x.com/Mimi_yakigar/status/2063135786548035853
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Current ILR Wait | 5 years |
| Proposed General Wait | 10 years |
| Proposed Wait for Care Workers | 15 years |
| Proposed Wait if Claiming Benefits for 12+ Months | 20 years |
| Status | Under consultation; no final decision has been made |
What’s Being Proposed?
At present, the majority of migrants (including those with a UK Health and Care Worker visa) are able to apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK. This will be completely changed under the proposed UK migration policy changes:
| Visa Category | Current Wait for ILR | Proposed Wait for ILR |
| The vast majority of migrants (Skilled Worker, etc.) | 5 years | 10 years |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | 5 years | 15 years |
| Migrants claiming benefits for 12+ months | 5 years | 20 years |
It is extremely clear to the government that permanent residency should be earned and not automatic, and the UK has experienced historically high levels of migration in recent years.
Why Are People Pushing Back?
The strongest opposition does not concern border control; it concerns changes to the rules that affect the past. The worry is that these new timelines are being applied to those people who are already working and living in the UK legally and who have developed their lives in the UK under the old rules.
This is “un-British” and “moving the goalposts,” say senior politicians and dozens of Labour MPs. UK care workers — who worked on the frontline during the pandemic — came to this country in good faith, followed the law and paid their taxes, critics argue. It is unconscionable to alter the terms of the settlement in the middle.
There is also concern by public service unions about job-locking with employers, which is said to be a condition for exploitation, among UK care worker visa holders.
What Happens Next?
The government has announced that for most migrants, the standard ILR wait will increase from 5 to 10 years. But the 15-year rule for those working in the care sector in the UK, and in retrospect, is yet to be defined.
Those with a Health and Care Worker visa should be aware of any updates from the Home Office.
FAQs
Will care workers be assured a 15-year wait?
Not confirmed yet. The general 10-year change is fixed; the care-specific 15-year extension is pending review.
Will this impact existing UK citizens?
This is the main issue. A decision hasn’t been made on retrospective application, which is the most controversial aspect of the proposals.
When will it be decided?
There has been no specified timeline. The consultation is finished, but there is one Home Office announcement to await.
Key Takeaways
- The rules of the game are changing in the UK: The standard wait to get ILR status will double from 5 to 10 years.
- Plans to extend the Health and Care Worker visa to 15 years for care workers could be implemented. The proposal to introduce a 15-year Health and Care Worker visa is under consideration.
- The application of this is highly controversial with regard to individuals already present.
- The rules for care workers have yet to be decided upon.
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