Recent modifications in the process for extending ECAA Turkish Businessperson visas and applying for indefinite leave to remain under the Ankara Agreement are causing significant concern, as highlighted in a new analysis. The article, authored by Tamer Ulay, points out that since the unit responsible for handling these cases moved from Sheffield to Liverpool in November 2025, applicants have experienced longer waiting times and an increase in technical rejections. Although the formal rules have not been changed, they appear to be enforced more stringently, with a focus on technicalities such as billing procedures and administrative details. This shift is raising alarms as it seems to overshadow the core criteria of whether applicants have successfully established and are running sustainable businesses in the UK.
Ulay emphasizes that the primary consideration for Ankara Agreement applications should be the legitimacy and sustainability of the business, rather than minor administrative or technical errors. He argues that businesses that have consistently received visa extensions, paid taxes, and supported families should not be penalized for such deficiencies. The article notes that small businesses might not always have perfect invoicing systems or websites, and that while these aspects can be reviewed, they should not automatically lead to application rejections.
The extensive waiting times for application processing are also highlighted as a significant issue, affecting not only business planning and financial decisions but also family life, travel, and children’s education. According to the assessment, if multiple applications are being rejected on similar grounds, it may indicate a broader systemic issue rather than isolated cases.
While the article clarifies that it does not support fraudulent applications, it stresses the importance of distinguishing between legitimate business owners and those with insincere intentions. VisaFree World advises applicants to meticulously prepare their documentation, track common grounds for refusal, seek legal counsel, and approach the application process strategically. Each case should be viewed on its individual merits, the article advises, noting that the content does not provide personalized legal advice.
VisaFree World serves as an information resource on immigration, visas, and residency, particularly focusing on UK immigration law and the Ankara Agreement. The platform, offering content primarily in Turkish, aims to guide individuals through visa refusals, administrative appeals, and settlement programs across the UK, EU, and beyond.