Recent modifications in the application process for ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa extensions and indefinite leave to remain, known as the Ankara Agreement, have sparked concern. The relocation of the unit handling these cases from Sheffield to Liverpool in November 2025 has resulted in longer waiting times and more technical grounds for refusal, according to an assessment published by Tamer Ulay. Although official rules remain unchanged, they are reportedly being enforced more stringently, causing an increase in rejections. Key issues now include billing procedures, bank payment references, ICO registration, website appearance, and administrative documentation deficiencies, even though these should not overshadow the primary question of whether a business is genuinely established and sustainable.
Tamer Ulay argues that the essence of Ankara Agreement applications should focus on verifying the establishment and active management of a business in the UK. He notes that minor administrative or technical shortcomings should not automatically disqualify a business as non-genuine. Ulay emphasizes that ongoing extensions granted to businesses with consistent models, tax payments, and family support should not be reassessed solely through a fault-finding lens. The article highlights that small businesses might not have perfect invoicing systems or complete websites, yet these should not be immediate grounds for visa refusal. Such evaluations, if overly stringent, could lead to outcomes that do not align with the realities of business operations.
Moreover, the prolonged processing times, lasting several months, impose considerable stress on applicants and their families, affecting business planning, travel, children’s education, family life, and financial decisions. The assessment warns that if similar grounds for refusal become pervasive, it could indicate a broader, structural change in practice rather than isolated issues with individual applications. It underscores that legitimate business owners should not be treated the same as fraudulent applicants due to technical or administrative lapses.
VisaFree World advises applicants under the Ankara Agreement to meticulously compile their documents and seek professional legal support, while also emphasizing the importance of strategic action when needed. It is crucial for each case to be assessed on its merits, and the article clarifies that its content should not be interpreted as personal legal advice. VisaFree World serves as a platform providing insights on immigration, visas, and settlement programs, with a particular focus on UK immigration law and related processes.