The UK Immigration Ankara Agreement: What You Need to Know
The UK Immigration Ankara Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Turkey that allows Turkish nationals to enter and work in the UK. This agreement is also known as the Turkish European Union Association Agreement and was signed in 1963.
Under this agreement, Turkish nationals who are legally residing in Turkey can apply for a visa to come to the UK to work or start a business. They are also allowed to extend their stay in the UK and bring their family members with them.
However, there are certain eligibility requirements that Turkish nationals must meet in order to apply for a visa under this agreement. They must have a valid Turkish passport and a letter of invitation from a UK-based business or employer. Additionally, they must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job they are applying for.
One important aspect of the UK Immigration Ankara Agreement is that it provides a pathway to settlement for Turkish nationals in the UK. After five years of living and working in the UK, Turkish nationals can apply for settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR). After obtaining ILR, they can eventually apply for British citizenship if they meet the necessary criteria.
The UK Immigration Ankara Agreement has been in place for over 50 years and has provided many Turkish nationals with the opportunity to work and live in the UK. However, in recent years, the agreement has come under scrutiny due to concerns over illegal immigration and abuses of the system.
In response to these concerns, the UK government has implemented stricter visa requirements for Turkish nationals under the UK Immigration Ankara Agreement. This includes increased scrutiny of visa applications and more rigorous checks to prevent fraudulent activity.
Overall, the UK Immigration Ankara Agreement remains an important aspect of UK-Turkey relations and provides many benefits for Turkish nationals who wish to work and live in the UK. However, it is important to ensure that the agreement is being implemented in a fair and transparent manner to prevent abuses and maintain the integrity of the UK immigration system.
