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Jun 23, 2026

Immigration petition claims new UK rule would make migrants 'anxious'

Immigration petition claims new UK rule would make migrants 'anxious'

The Home Secretary has said "it is essential that the privilege of living in this country forever is earned, and not automatic".

Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add as a preferred source on Google Add us as preferred source Comments By Adam Toms 13:39, Mon, Jun 22, 2026 Updated: 13:39, Mon, Jun 22, 2026

Migrants get into small boat in English Channel

Migrants are continuing to cross the English Channel in small boats (Image: Getty)

​A pro-immigration petition has said a new rule is unfair to migrants. The Government looks set to make the standard wait time to receive Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) - which gives individuals the right to live, work and study here for as long as they like, and to apply for benefits if they are eligible - increase by five years. In March, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, told MPs that "the qualifying period for settlement should move, as a norm, from five years to 10".

Now, a petition has been launched to ensure the new rule does not apply to people who have already successfully applied for asylum or humanitarian protection. It reads: "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.

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"Increasing the ILR period from 5 years to 10 for people already granted asylum is unfair. They were granted protection under the established 5-year route. This change causes immense anxiety and hinders their ability to fully integrate and rebuild their lives. Honour the original 5-year commitment."

At the time of writing, it has 3,627 signatures.

If it gets 10,000, the Government would respond.

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it would be considered for debate by MPs.

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