Important update: UK government message to Ankara Agreement holders

The UK government has issued a critical message to Turkish citizens residing in the country under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA), commonly known as the Ankara Agreement. In a recent statement, officials clarified that the existing rights and settlement pathways for current ECAA visa holders will be protected until a new regulatory framework is fully implemented.

For the thousands of Turkish business owners and their families living in London boroughs such as Enfield, Haringey, and Barnet, this news provides a temporary sigh of relief amidst a broader overhaul of the UK’s immigration and settlement systems.

Current status of ECAA rights

Since the official closure of the Ankara Agreement to new applicants following Brexit, those already in the system have relied on transitional provisions. The latest update confirms:

• Protection of Rights: Current holders of ECAA leave can continue to extend their stay and apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the existing "Appendix ECAA" rules.

• No Immediate Change: Despite widespread reforms planned for the spring, the specific rules governing Ankara Agreement extensions remain in place for now.

• Domestic Law Transition: It was reiterated that these rights now operate entirely under UK domestic law rather than direct EU treaty rights, meaning the Home Office maintains the authority to regulate these paths through the standard Immigration Rules.

The "Earned Settlement" concern

The "critical" nature of this message stems from a massive proposed shift in UK settlement policy set to begin in April 2026. The government is moving toward an "Earned Settlement" model, which could see the standard 5-year wait for ILR extended to 10 years for many categories.

• Retrospective Risk: There is ongoing debate in Westminster about whether these 10-year rules will apply retrospectively to those already on a path to settlement.

• Language Requirements: New standards may require a jump from B1 to B2 level English proficiency for all settlement applicants.

• Economic Contribution: Future applications may face stricter scrutiny regarding National Insurance contributions and minimum annual earnings (currently proposed at £12,570).

Impact on Turkish businesses in London

The Turkish community has a significant economic footprint in Hackney, Islington, and Waltham Forest. Many entrepreneurs who established businesses under the Ankara Agreement expressed concern that changing the "rules of the game" mid-way would be unfair.

"Many of our members in Southwark and Newham have invested their life savings based on the 5-year settlement promise," said a representative from a London-based Turkish business alliance. "While we welcome the assurance that rights are protected for now, the community remains anxious about what 'new regulations' will look like in April."

Next steps for visa holders

Legal experts advise ECAA holders in Camden and Tower Hamlets to:

• Apply Early: If you are eligible for an extension or ILR before April 2026, submit your application as soon as possible to avoid potential rule changes.

• Maintain Records: Ensure all business accounts, tax returns, and National Insurance records are meticulously up to date.

• Stay Informed: Monitor official Home Office announcements regarding "transitional arrangements" for existing ECAA holders.

While the "Ankara Agreement" as we knew it is changing, the government’s latest message underscores that for those already contributing to the London economy, the door is not closing—but the requirements to stay may soon become more demanding.