“Changing the rules midway would be unfair” — MP Daniel Zeichner
“The proposed ILR reforms are serious and far-reaching” — Beth Gardiner Smith
Manchester: The IOC (UK) Kerala Chapter – Midlands Area organised an emergency online seminar addressing the UK’s proposed ILR reforms, which could directly affect migrants including many Malayalees on Skilled Worker and Partner visas. The Zoom session saw strong participation and concluded on a positive, reassuring note.
Cambridge MP and former Minister Daniel Zeichner, Solicitor Advocate Cllr. Baiju Thittala, and Future Governance Forum Senior Policy Associate Beth Gardiner-Smith led the discussion and responded to key legal, political, and social concerns raised by attendees. IOC UK Kerala Chapter General Secretary Romy Kuriakose moderated the session, with Adv. Baiju Thittala serving as Seminar Lead.
Responding to concerns about individuals already midway through the current five-year ILR route being shifted to a proposed ten-year pathway, MP Zeichner reiterated that “changing the rules midway would be unfair.” He noted that the proposals are not final and should largely apply only to new entrants. He highlighted migrants’ vital contributions to the UK economy, especially in health, social care, and food production, and assured that he would raise these issues directly with MPs and the Home Secretary.
Beth Gardiner-Smith outlined key aspects of the proposed ILR reforms, explaining that the qualifying period may increase from five to ten years, with certain categories receiving exemptions. Higher-income workers might reduce their timelines through tax contributions, while lower-income workers and those receiving certain benefits could see significantly longer waits. She also warned that the government is considering unprecedented restrictions on benefits for ILR holders.
The successful coordination of the seminar was facilitated by Manikandan Aikkad, Midhun, Shobin Sam, Mithun, Simon Cherian, Gibson George, Arun Philipose, Iby K Joseph, Dr. Jobin Sebastian, Jibeesh Thankachan, Bibin Kalayil, Bibin Raj, Peter Painadath, Jagan Padachira, George John, among others.
IOC UK Kerala Chapter leaders reaffirmed their commitment to standing with the community throughout the consultation process and ensuring that concerns are communicated effectively to policymakers.
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