Concerns have been raised about recent modifications in the process for extending the ECAA Turkish Businessperson visa and obtaining indefinite leave to remain under the Ankara Agreement. A recent analysis by Tamer Ulay highlights that since the administrative unit responsible for these cases was moved from Sheffield to Liverpool in November 2025, applicants have encountered increased waiting times and stricter scrutiny, leading to more refusals. Although the official regulations remain unchanged, the application of these rules seems to be more rigid and inclined towards rejection. Features such as billing practices, bank payment references, ICO registrations, website details, and administrative lapses in business documentation are now being scrutinized more intensely. However, the article underscores that the primary focus of the Ankara Agreement should be on the establishment and genuine operation of a business, as well as its sustainability.
Ulay argues that the core issue for Ankara Agreement applications is whether the applicant has genuinely established and actively operates a business in the UK. Small businesses might show some administrative or technical deficiencies, but these should not automatically imply that the business is not authentic. The article stresses that individuals who have consistently secured extensions over the years, while maintaining the same business model, paying taxes, and supporting their families, should not be judged solely on minor bureaucratic faults. It acknowledges that small enterprises might not have perfect invoicing systems, comprehensive websites, or flawless bank statements. While such issues can be considered during the evaluation, they should not be treated as automatic disqualifications.
The lengthy processing times are also highlighted as a significant issue, placing considerable stress on applicants and their families. These prolonged periods impact business planning, travel arrangements, children’s education, family life, and financial decisions. The assessment suggests that if similar reasons for refusal occur frequently, it might indicate a broader structural shift in practice rather than isolated issues with individual applications.
Despite the concerns, the article makes it clear that it does not support protecting fraudulent applications or shell companies. Legitimate business owners should not be unfairly grouped with unreliable applicants due to minor technical or administrative errors. It advises those applying under the Ankara Agreement to meticulously prepare their documents, be aware of common refusal grounds, seek expert legal advice, and adopt strategic approaches when necessary. Each application should be assessed based on its unique circumstances, and the information provided does not replace personalized legal guidance.
VisaFree World, the platform responsible for this analysis, offers insights on immigration, visas, residency, and citizenship in the UK, EU, and beyond. It focuses particularly on UK immigration law, the intricacies of the Ankara Agreement, visa refusals, administrative appeals, judicial reviews, and international settlement initiatives. The platform’s legal disclaimer stresses that they do not independently verify the accuracy of third-party content and disclaim any liability for unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.