WESTMINSTER HALL ILR DEBATE

Karendeep Kaur
Sep 23
2 min read

two ladders with six worker men on the ladders constructing a metal boarder / wall

Still confused on the 10-year Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) debate in Parliament?

You are not alone!

Two e-petitions to keep the 5-year ILR pathway for existing skilled worker visa holders and those on the British National (Overseas) visas were put forward, arguing against a proposed extension to the qualifying period for migrants in the UK.

Thousands of you signed the petitions to argue that raising the bar to 10-years should only apply to those coming to the UK once the change has been implemented.

Following the debate in Westminster Hall on 8 September 2025, below is a summary of the key takeaways:

No new legislation has been implemented, yet. Currently you can qualify for ILR once you have completed 5 years legally on any one of the abovementioned routes provided all other eligibility criteria has been met.
The rules will change. When this is likely to take affect or whom it will apply to is yet to be decided.
Earned settlement - no further insight on how points will be calculated or earned nor any indication as to the amount of reduction in the 10-year qualifying period.

Here’s what we’re hoping to have by the end of 2025:

Clarity on whether:

the 10-year route to settlement will apply retrospectively
the ‘earned settlement’ model will apply to existing visa holders

What should you be doing?

Employees:

If you qualify for ILR do not delay your application process as the law could change at any stage and if the government proposes to apply the new rules retrospectively, then your qualification period may extend.

Employers:

Protect your workforce by ensuring your business is compliant and you have all your right to work checks up to date. A small error could lead to revocation of your licence and curtailment of leave for migrants, which would be detrimental to anyone in the final stages of their qualifying period.

So, how can FG Solicitors help your business?

FG Solicitors is here to navigate you through the complexities fast approaching employers in the UK – we’re here to support you through your Global expansion goals, Employment Law conundrums and Corporate & Commercial solutions.

Contact FG Solicitors today on 0808 172 93 22 or complete our quick contact form for a no obligation discussion!