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Written question asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Friday, 6 March 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.


Immigration: Turkey

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to the Written Statement by the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union on 7 March 2019 (HCWS1392), and the Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 813), published on 22 October 2020, what assessment they have made of the impact of the earned settlement proposals on Turkish European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA) legacy holders; and what estimate they have made of the number of ECAA legacy holders affected by the earned settlement proposals.

Answer

As the HCWS 1392 indicated and 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 are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any potential exemptions or transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.

Implementation of the earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

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.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14995
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
Immigration: Turkey
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Immigration: Turkey
Monday, 13 April 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Immigration Turkey
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk