PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Create a Renewable Open Work Permit for Sponsored Workers
Create a renewable Open Work Permit for sponsored workers so they can change employers without needing new sponsorship. The Government says workers can change sponsors, but in reality few employers offer sponsorships. With ILR moving to 10–15 years, workers should not stay tied to one sponsor.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
533
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 533/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 533/100,000
Background
Although workers are technically free to change sponsors, the reality is that very few employers are willing or licensed to sponsor visas. Some workers lose sponsorship through employer abuse or non-compliance and are left insecure for years. With ILR moving to up to 15 years, we feel this dependence is unsafe. A renewable Open Work Permit, similar to the open work proposals for asylum seekers, would give fair mobility and protect workers who support the UK’s economy.