Verified policy record
Falkland Islands Suspend New Permanent Residence Applications Under Section 18 Until August 2027
The Falkland Islands Government has released its 2026 legal updates. These updates include a new immigration order. This order stops the normal way to get a permanent residence permit under section 18 of the Immigration Ordinance 1999. The Immigration (Suspension of Section 18 - Immigration Ordinance 1999) Order 2026 (SR&O No. 11 of 2026) was made on 31 July 2026. It was published on 6 August 2026. It started on 1 September 2026. It stops the Principal Immigration Officer from taking applications for permanent residence under section 18 while this stop is in place. The stop will stay until 31 August 2027. It could end earlier if the government cancels it. It is important to know that this does not stop all ways to get permanent residence in the Falkland Islands. The Order clearly states that the stop to section 18 does not affect permanent residence permits given under sections 18AA or 18BB of the Immigration Ordinance.
- Jurisdiction
- Falkland Islands
- Stage
- Effective 1 Sept 2026
- Published
- 6 Aug 2026
- In force
- 1 Sept 2026
- Category
- Permanent Residence
- Official source
- falklands.gov.fk
Why it matters
This is a significant change for people seeking to settle permanently in the Falkland Islands through the ordinary section 18 permanent residence route. From 1 September 2026, a person who would previously have submitted an application under section 18 cannot simply lodge that application and wait for it to be assessed. The Principal Immigration Officer is legally prevented from accepting applications under that provision while the suspension remains active. The measure is particularly important because it is not merely an administrative pause. The Order was made under section 18A of the Immigration Ordinance, which specifically allows the Governor to suspend section 18 where circumstances have arisen, or may arise within the following 12 months, such that it is considered not to be in the interests of the Falkland Islands for further permanent residence permits to be issued under that provision. However, the measure should not be interpreted as the Falkland Islands completely closing permanent residence. Sections 18AA and 18BB remain outside the suspension.
Official source: falklands.gov.fk