• September 8, 2025

MPs to debate Today on raising qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from 5 to 10 years

LONDON Sept 8: Today (Monday 8 September), MPs will debate two petitions relating to the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Ben Goldsborough MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate at 4.30pm. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

CLICK TO WATCH DISCUSSIONS FROM 4.30PM TODAY

“Keep the 5-Year ILR pathway for existing Skilled Worker visa holders”

The petition, which has received more than 162,000 signatures, stated: “Do not apply the proposed 10-year ILR rule to existing Skilled Worker visa holders. Keep the 5-year ILR route for those already in the UK on this visa. Apply any changes only to new applicants from the date of implementation.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 17 June 2025, the Government said: “As with several other measures in the Immigration White Paper, the proposals on earned settlement will be subject to a formal consultation process, and we welcome this contribution to that process.”

“Keep 5-year ILR terms to Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visas”

The petition, which has received more than 108,000 signatures, stated: “We urge the Government to exempt BN(O) visa for Hongkongers from the proposed immigration reforms. We think the current ILR terms must remain unchanged:

1. Five years of UK residency

2. B1 level English proficiency

3. Passing the Life in the UK Test.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 11 July 2025, the Government said: “We are firmly committed to the existing Hong Kong community in the UK and all those who will arrive in future. Further details of measures in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in due course.”

What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.