For many Nigerians working hard in the UK, one of the biggest goals is reaching Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). At the moment, skilled workers can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous work and residence.
But recently, Parliament debated a proposal to extend this period to 10 years — sparking serious concern among migrants, including Nigerians who are already on the 5-year track.
What’s Happening Now?
✅ No change yet – The 5-year ILR rule is still in place.
✅ Consultation coming – The government has said there will be a public consultation before any changes are made.
✅ No timeline – There’s no set date for when, or if, the rule might change to 10 years.
Why Are People Worried?
During the debate, MPs highlighted several key points:
- Fairness – It would be unfair to change the rules for people already working towards ILR, like “changing the rules halfway through a marathon.”
- Impact on the NHS & Care Sector – Sectors like healthcare and social care (where many Nigerians work) are already struggling with staff shortages. Extending ILR to 10 years could make it harder to attract skilled workers.
- Exploitation Risks – Skilled workers would be more dependent on sponsoring employers for longer, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
- Contributions Ignored – Migrants pay high taxes and visa fees but don’t access public benefits. MPs argued it’s unfair to delay settlement when skilled workers already give so much.
What Did the Minister Say?
The Immigration Minister admitted that the uncertainty is causing anxiety and promised that workers will be “treated with dignity.” He also confirmed:
- A full impact assessment will be carried out before any decision.
- BN(O) visa holders (from Hong Kong) will remain under separate rules.
What Nigerians in the UK Should Know
- As of September 9, 2025, the 5-year ILR rule is still valid for skilled workers and BN(O)s.
- The government has not confirmed if any future 10-year rule would apply to people already on visas.
- If you’re approaching your 5 years, continue preparing your ILR application — don’t delay.
Bottom Line
For now, nothing has changed. Nigerians on skilled worker visas can still apply for ILR after 5 years. But with consultations ahead, it’s important to stay informed — changes could affect future applicants.
👉🏾 Tip from Naija UK Connect: Always keep your documents in order (payslips, tax records, proof of residence) and stay alert to government announcements.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
