1. Introduction
On Monday 19 May 2025, a powerful and unified voice rose in Altab Ali Park, London, as the Existing Skilled Migrant Forum (ESMF) was officially launched. This community-driven initiative was born in response to the UK government's proposal to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years retroactively — a policy that may affect over 1.5 million skilled workers already residing in the UK.
What Is the ESM Forum?
The Existing Skilled Migrant Forum is a free, volunteer-led membership platform created to unite skilled workers, their dependant, legal professionals, journalists, activists, and policy thinkers. Its mission is clear: to protect fair immigration policy, raise awareness of the contributions migrants make to the UK, and ensure that no one is left behind due to sudden, retrospective rule changes.
The launch event was headlined by Barrister Md Lutfur Rahman, CEO of WorkPermitCloud Ltd, who gave an impassioned speech calling for unity, legal fairness, and shared purpose. His message resonated deeply with attendees from all walks of life who believe in transparency, justice, and the principle of legitimate expectation.
Watch the Inauguration Speech Video Here
Why This Forum Matters Now
The proposed 10-year ILR route has not yet become law, but its potential retrospective application has sent shockwaves through the migrant community. Migrants who arrived in the UK under the five-year settlement expectation may now face significant delays to their settlement goals, threatening plans for citizenship, family stability, home ownership, and more.
At the ESM Forum launch event, attendees collectively agreed that any retrospective shift in ILR rules could be considered unlawful and unfair. A similar attempt was previously challenged successfully in the landmark 2008 case:
HSMP Forum (UK) Ltd. v. Secretary of State for the Home Department. The High Court then ruled that applying new immigration rules retrospectively violated the principle of legitimate expectation, protecting migrants who had structured their lives based on the rules in place at the time of their arrival.
The ESM Forum aims to prevent history from repeating itself — and to ensure that migrants are treated with the respect, dignity, and consistency they deserve.
What the ESM Forum Will Do
The Forum sets out to:
» Share positive, impactful migrant stories that highlight contributions to the UK economy and society
» Engage Members of Parliament, legal institutions, and government committees
» Collaborate with BBC, The Guardian, ITV, and other national media
» Serve as a hub for facts, legal resources, and immigration updates
» Build collective legal strength through guidance from a network of solicitors and barristers
It is not against the 10-year ILR route for future migrants, but firmly opposes its retrospective application to existing skilled workers who entered the UK on a five-year pathway.
Be Part of the Movement
You can join the conversation and stand with thousands of others by becoming a member of the ESM Forum:
➤ 🌐 Website: www.esmforum.co.uk
➤ 📘 Facebook Group: ESMF on Facebook
A formal petition request has been submitted to the UK Government and Parliament, currently under review. Once live, it will be published in the Forum group for public support.
How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?
At WorkPermitCloud, we understand how complex and stressful sudden immigration changes can be — especially when you've built your life around existing rules.
Whether you're working towards ILR, exploring alternative visa options, or seeking clarity about your current status, our expert team is here to help you make informed, timely decisions.
📞 Call us: +44 020 8087 2343
📧 Email: info@workpermitcloud.co.uk
📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/lutfur-workpermitcloud
Let us help you stay informed, prepared, and supported.
