Indefinite Leave to Remain

Called for the Government to manage migration properly, ensuring that there are clear rules about contributing to UK society and addressing issues of integration.

Alex Sobel highlights the threat of transnational repression faced by some Hongkongers without permanent status, questioning the Government's approach to protecting these individuals.

Emphasised the importance of stability for migrant workers in industries like fishing, highlighting that giving them indefinite leave to remain allows them to have the same rights and security as others.

Highlighted issues such as racist abuse faced by health staff and exploitation of migrant workers, urging the Government to reconsider its plans. Asked whether sufficient resources were being devoted to teaching English language for those aiming to settle in the UK.

Raises concerns about the impact of immigration policy on NHS staff, urging the government to take steps to encourage international healthcare workers rather than making it harder for them to stay.

My hon. Friend highlighted that changing the BNO visa route could hand a propaganda victory to China, urging the Government to maintain its moral duty. The BNO visa scheme is a lifeline for Hongkongers who have taken risks to build their lives in the UK. Extending the pathway would be a betrayal of trust, damaging the social contract with these people. Inquired about the timeframe for concluding the consultation and receiving results.

Expressed concern over the changes to BNO visa timelines and emphasised the need for certainty.

Emphasised the importance of BNO visas and urged the Minister to recognise the uncertainty created by the consultation.

Chris highlights that the British immigration system does not differentiate between indefinite leave to remain and citizenship, questioning whether incentives should be provided for migrants to become citizens. He also addresses the need for realism in addressing public concerns about immigration.

Danny Beales expresses concern about the retrospective nature of the indefinite leave to remain proposals, which could disrupt lives and have adverse equalities impacts. He also discusses the implications for child migrants and university education fees.

Acknowledging the UK's historic commitment and current repression in Hong Kong, David argues for retaining the five-year ILR period for BNO holders who have settled here to maintain certainty.

The change in rules would damage the legitimate expectation that the rules of the game would not be changed midway through. It is a moral duty to maintain our promise to those people.

Focuses on the impact of immigration proposals on UK universities, suggesting that stringent requirements could disadvantage them compared to competitors abroad.

Concerned about retrospective application of changes to indefinite leave to remain which could be unlawful. Highlighted impact on university staff recruitment and NHS workers like Sarah, a physiotherapist from Canada facing uncertainty due to visa changes.

Agrees with David Pinto-Duschinsky that recognising BNO status as British nationals overseas is crucial and highlights the importance of five-year ILR for these individuals. Stressed the importance of recognising Hongkongers' contribution to Milton Keynes, urging the government to keep its promise.

Expresses concern for constituents from Hong Kong who are worried about these proposals and supports the need for stability in the system.

Expressed concern about the proposed extension of the qualifying period from five to ten years, which could disrupt financial planning and cause increased stress for Hong Kong residents in her constituency.

It is about trust as much as law—about keeping our promises and the faith of the people who place their future in our hands. The five-year pathway to settlement for BNO Hongkongers must be retained. Emphasised the importance of clarity for those on skilled visas, aligning with concerns about extending the pathway beyond five years. Asked the Minister about the timeline for the consultation and whether different groups would have separate opportunities to comment.

Highlights the importance of involving devolved institutions such as the Scottish Government to ensure successful implementation of policies. Illustrated the impact of staffing shortages in social care by highlighting cases where elderly care packages have failed due to a lack of workers.

Colleagues received emails from constituents concerned about the proposed increase in the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. Many of these individuals work in healthcare, which is already facing a shortage of medical professionals.

Discussed the uncertainty faced by BNO visa holders and their contributions to society.

My constituency has more than 2,500 BNO visa holders who are enriching the community and facing challenges such as employment barriers due to their current status. The proposed changes have led to a reduction in trust among residents.

The hon. Member acknowledges the need to reduce migration levels but argues that recent waves of immigration are unlikely to contribute more in tax than they cost over their lifetimes, suggesting a period extension for ILR qualification from five years to ten. Argues that implementing suggested reforms would save British taxpayers hundreds of billions of pounds and relieve pressure on public services. She urges the government to commit to implementing these changes, including applying them retroactively.

Turner supports Hongkongers' right to sanctuary and highlights concerns about arrest warrants issued in Hong Kong against them. He calls for the Home Office to acknowledge the strength of feeling shared by Members regarding visa routes.

He highlighted that many constituents, including Lachlan from Australia, are en route to qualifying for indefinite leave to remain but feel uncertain about their future due to potential changes.

Called for clarity regarding changes in ILR route for BNO and skilled worker visas, highlighting the impact on Hongkongers' futures and contributions to communities. Emphasised the importance of honouring promises made under the BNO visa scheme.

Discussed concerns about the immigration White Paper's impact on Hongkongers, emphasizing the need for clear rules without retrospective application. Highlighted contributions of BNO visa holders to UK society.

The Member draws a parallel between Hong Kong BNOs and Ukrainians on Homes for Ukraine visas, suggesting consideration of including them in the five-year period for leave to remain.

The hon. Friend raises concerns about the extension from five to 10 years impacting young Hongkongers' access to university and suggests it might hand Beijing a propaganda victory.

Raises a point of order regarding Katie Lam's speech.

Considers the immense contribution of BNO holders to communities despite their small percentage in visa applications, questioning whether extending ILR period would impact broader migration rules.

He agreed with the need for managed migration and supported the Government's goal of getting a grip on legal migration while ensuring that those who are already delivering contributions are properly considered.

Highlights the ongoing campaign for a certificate of common sponsorship in social care and links it to today’s debate on indefinite leave to remain. Agreed with concerns about employment status that traps workers in exploitative conditions. Suggested extending the ILR period from five years to 10 could potentially trap workers in long-term exploitation.

Increasing the qualifying period will make the UK less attractive for international talent, particularly for science and research roles.

Encouraged Labour MPs to speak positively about immigration and asylum seekers while critiquing current policies that strip people of their human rights.

Welcomed the immigration White Paper's recognition of a fair, firm and clear immigration system but disagreed with changes to the BNO visa scheme. Emphasised the unique contributions and barriers faced by Hong Kong residents in Bracknell. The MP questioned the Conservative party's commitment to BNO visa holders and asked if Katie Lam considers the route introduced by the previous Government as a mistake. Pressed the Minister to look at fixing issues within the BNO visa route that have made it less effective than originally intended, while recommitting to support Hongkongers.

Highlights the case for keeping five-year ILR terms for Hong Kong BNO visa holders, emphasizing the importance of honoring promises made to those who fled Hong Kong under threat. Discusses personal stories and financial impacts on families.

Welcomes the debate's spirit and highlights her constituency’s history of welcoming migrants. Stresses the importance of stability in the system for BNO visa holders, especially those from Hong Kong.

Highlights the economic value of skilled migrants across various sectors such as defence and social care, and raises concerns about transitional protections for current visa holders.

Highlighted the significance of BNO visa changes for local communities and emphasised the need for certainty and stability.

Raises concerns over the lack of clarity on reforms to indefinite leave to remain, which has led to uncertainty and distress for many UK residents including those from Hong Kong living in Richmond Park.

Discussed the reliance of NHS on overseas workers, noting the high costs involved in recruiting and training them. Called for clarity regarding future status for those already working here.

Argues against doubling the standard qualifying period to 10 years, citing financial insecurity and increased risks of poverty for families on these routes.

Stresses that the lack of clarity is harmful not just to individuals but also to employers and the wider economy, potentially leading to loss of talent and counterproductive effects on economic growth.

She mentioned constituents in Hampstead and Highgate who have invested significant resources to stay here, including passing the 'Life in the UK' test, and asked for a clear exemption from retrospective changes.

Celebrates the diversity in Stratford and Bow, emphasizing the importance of compassion and fairness towards immigrants. Draws parallels with personal family history to illustrate the value of offering refuge and support.

Welcomed the Minister to his new Department. Advocated for families on British national overseas visas or work permits, often working in social care and IT sectors where recruitment is difficult. Emphasized the importance of fairness, supporting the petition and urging the Government to reconsider changes that would affect people's lives retrospectively.