Early day motion · EDM 182 · 20 May 2026

Five-year indefinite leave to remain pathway for Skilled Worker visa holders

Tabled by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) 19 signatures

The motion

That this House recognises the vital contribution of Skilled Worker visa holders to the UK economy and public services, including sectors facing critical shortages such as health, engineering, and social care; notes that these individuals pay taxes, contribute to their communities, and have no recourse to public funds; further notes that they came to the UK in good faith on the clear understanding that five years of work and residence would provide a pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR), and many built lives in the UK on this basis; expresses concern that retrospective changes to this pathway would undermine confidence in the immigration system, damage the UK’s international reputation, and risk exacerbating skills shortages; and therefore calls on the Government to retain the five-year ILR pathway for all existing Skilled Worker visa holders.