Migrant Voice, a UK-based migrant rights organization, has thrown its weight behind a campaign pushing for fair transitional protections after the British government doubled the settlement qualifying period for skilled workers. The announcement came after a November 10 meeting in Glasgow between the group’s director, Naseek Ramadan, and Mithun Mohanan, who coordinates UK Skilled Workers – ILR Action.
On November 2, the UK unveiled its “Earned Settlement” policy, stretching the standard route to indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten. While officials mentioned sector-specific exemptions and interim safeguards, the detailed regulations have yet to surface. That uncertainty has left thousands of legally resident workers and their families in limbo.
Mohanan, who also leads the Indian Overseas Congress in Scotland, says the campaign represents migrants from multiple countries who built lives under the old rules.
Their core demand: transparent transitional arrangements that honor the financial commitments, healthcare contributions, and years of service these workers have already made. Many have mortgages, children in local schools, and elderly relatives depending on them.
A peaceful demonstration is set for November 26 outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, running from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organizers have already coordinated with parliamentary security and reached out to MPs, MSPs, Scottish government representatives, and trade unions.
For now, the coalition waits for concrete legislation — and keeps the pressure on.
