Petitions/Keep 5-year ILR for Health and Care visa holders to protect the NHS
StatusClosed
Opened4 Nov 2025
Closes4 May 2026
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

Healthcare professionals have been on the frontline during national crises & ensuring the continued functioning of vital services. We think extending ILR timeline undermines their contributions. Instead keep the ILR requirement and reduce the workforce shortage and avoid uncertainty on their future.

The UK health and care system relies heavily on international doctors and nurses who dedicate their skills and years of service to supporting patients across the country. We ask the Government to keep the required residence period for ILR for doctors and nurses for 5 years and exempt from 10-year rule. This would recognise their vital contribution to the National Health Service, help retain skilled healthcare professionals, and strengthen workforce stability in the UK’s health sector.

3,158Total signatures
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Constituency engagement ranking

Rachel Hopkins
1Rachel Hopkins MP
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
66
Sarah Owen
2Sarah Owen MP
Luton North
50
Sir Mark Hendrick
3Sir Mark Hendrick MP
Preston
41
Andrew Pakes
4Andrew Pakes MP
Peterborough
37
Afzal Khan
5Afzal Khan MP
Manchester Rusholme
35
Hilary Benn
6Hilary Benn MP
Leeds South
33
Nadia Whittome
7Nadia Whittome MP
Nottingham East
33
Hannah Spencer
8Hannah Spencer MP
Gorton and Denton
28
Jas Athwal
9Jas Athwal MP
Ilford South
26
Satvir Kaur
10Satvir Kaur MP
Southampton Test
23
Keep 5-year ILR for Health and Care visa holders to protect the NHS — Petitions