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Written question asked by Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration: EEA Nationals

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to continue the policies set out in the policy paper entitled Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 813, 22 October 2020 in relation to the rights and settlement expectations of individuals who entered the UK under the European Communities Association Agreement route.

Answer

As the explanatory memorandum to HC 813 set out, following the end of the EU exit transition period and the repeal of EU-derived directly effective immigration rights, the UK is no longer obliged to provide preferential treatment to Turkish nationals on the basis of the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA).

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’ (CP 1448), was consulted on between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026. We will now carefully review and analyse all responses received and the findings will support the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures. Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.

In the meantime, Appendix ECAA: Extension of Stay and Appendix ECAA Settlement, which set out the rules described in HC 813, will continue to apply. Time spent in routes that currently count towards settlement after 5 years will also continue to count towards the new standard qualifying period.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112861
Session
2024-26
Related items
Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules
Thursday, 22 October 2020
House of Commons papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Immigration EEA nationals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk