Over 20,000 migrant workers appeal to Andy Burnham as 'authoritarian' bill passes

A GROUP representing more than 20,000 skilled migrants across the UK has written to Andy Burnham urging him to soften Labour’s “inhumane” immigration bill. It comes after the UK Government's controversial Immigration and Asylum Bill was passed by MPs on Tuesday despite a small rebellion from Labour backbenchers. The bill has been described as "authoritarian" and "racist" by the Scottish Greens, while the SNP have warned that it is an imitation of "Nigel Farage's toxic agenda". It includes new tighter rules on how Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which covers an individual’s right to a private and family life, will be applied, which the Home Office hopes will cut the number of asylum appeals being granted. READ MORE: Donald Trump says US to reinstate Hormuz blockade and impose 20 per cent cargo charge But it will also increase the standard time taken to qualify for permanent residency (or Indefinite Leave to Remain [ILR]) from five to between 10 and 15 years – and is currently thought to apply to migrants who arrived from 2021, an estimated 1.6m of whom would otherwise have expected to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from this year. The National has reported on how the campaign group Skill Migrants Alliance – which represents more than 20,000 migrant workers across the UK, including many in the care sector and NHS – previously warned that it is preparing legal action against the UK Government if the ILR changes are brought into force. The group has already raised £25,000 and taken advice from a barrister in preparation for a judicial review. But while the immigration bill has been passed, it is being reported that Burnham – who voted in favour of the new legislation – is considering softening the rules for those currently in the UK. The Financial Times, for example, writes that the Home Office has begun working up options, including allowing migrants to claim settled status but delaying access to benefits. The Sunday National understands that the Skill Migrants Alliance are waiting to see what the new prime minister does when he is sworn in later this month before deciding on any future legal action. In the meantime, the group has written to Burnham setting out a “clear and urgent request” on behalf of “hundreds of thousands” of visa holders. “Retrospectively changing the settlement route would fundamentally alter the conditions under which these life-changing decisions were made,” the letter warned, describing their appeal as “straightforward and fair”. The group said any new, longer pathway for future migrants is a matter for Parliament, but insisted that “those who entered the UK under the existing five‑year route should be allowed to complete that journey under the rules that applied when they arrived.” READ MORE: Twelve arrested after ‘credible’ right-wing terror threat against Islamic event The campaigners added: “This is not a request for special treatment. It is a request for fairness, legal certainty and respect for legitimate expectations. “Changing the settlement rules retrospectively would affect hundreds of thousands of people who have already invested years of their lives in Britain. It would create uncertainty not only for existing Skilled Worker visa holders but also for employers who depend on international talent and for future skilled professionals considering the UK as a destination. “Britain’s immigration system must remain one that people can trust.” The letter went on: “We respectfully ask your Government to provide certainty by confirming that any changes to the settlement rules will apply only to future entrants and not retrospectively to those already on the Skilled Worker route.” "Many Skilled Worker visa holders and their families placed their trust in Labour at the last general election because they believed the party would uphold fairness, the rule of law and respect for those who contribute to Britain. While we cannot speak for every voter, it is clear that confidence within our community has been shaken by the prospect of retrospective changes to the settlement route. “By confirming that those already on the five-year pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain will be allowed to complete it under the rules they signed up to, your Government has an opportunity to rebuild that trust and demonstrate that Britain keeps its promises. Such a decision would send a powerful message that fairness, legal certainty and respect for legitimate expectations remain at the heart of government.” The group then went on to say that they would “welcome the opportunity” to meet with Burnham and his team. Burnham has been approached for comment.