ILR Changes: Researchers Warn of “Exodus” as Settlement Wait Doubles to 10 Years

Researchers, PhD students and universities are warning that planned changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) could drive skilled people out of the UK. Under the Home Secretary’s plans, many workers would have to wait 10 years instead of five before they can settle permanently.

Who is worried?

Universities UK has warned of an exodus of talent that could weaken UK research and innovation, and University Alliance says uncertainty about settlement could put off highly skilled people.

Labour MP Dame Chi Onwurah, who chairs the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, said PhD students and early-career researchers already face low pay and funding uncertainty, and has asked to meet the Home Secretary. Diane Abbott warned the changes could risk a repeat of the Windrush scandal.

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“How am I going to rebuild this life again?”

One researcher, Jia Wei Lee, 30, was months away from being eligible after nearly 10 years in the UK and may now have to return to Malaysia. Another, Ksenia Lavrenteva, 36, says she would not be able to apply until 2041.

What does the Home Office say?

A Home Office spokesperson said the government would “always welcome the brightest minds”, but that “it is right that anyone seeking to stay in the UK will need to meet stricter criteria”.

An estimated 500,000 people were on course for permanent residency under the current rules. A petition to keep the 10-year Long Residence Route for people already in the UK has thousands of signatures.

Sources: Home Office, Universities UK, UK Parliament.