By Ademuyiwa Balikis
A fast growing public petition opposing the UK government’s proposed changes to the immigration system has crossed 70,000 signatures within 24 hours, reflecting widespread concern among skilled workers and their families.
The petition, hosted on the UK Parliament website, urges the government to retain the existing five year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for skilled workers. It also calls for restricted access to public benefits for newly approved ILR holders, arguing that those granted permanent residency should maintain financial independence before relying on government support.
The petition’s rapid rise in signatures indicates strong dissatisfaction with the proposed reforms, particularly among migrants who say they complied fully with the rules under which they entered the UK. Many signatories have also raised concerns about the fairness of altering settlement requirements for individuals already living and working in the country.
Under parliamentary rules, any petition that reaches 10,000 signatures is entitled to an official government response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it becomes eligible for consideration for a parliamentary debate. With the threshold now within reach, supporters are calling for continued mobilisation to ensure the issue is formally discussed in Parliament.
The government has stated that its broader immigration overhaul aims to tighten the settlement system and reduce long term migration. However, the pace at which this petition is growing suggests that pressure is mounting for ministers to provide clarity, especially regarding whether transitional arrangements will be introduced for those already on the five year ILR track.
