ILR long stay issue

Hi

I'm an indian citizen working in UK with the same company. I'll complete my 4 yrs this yr end.
The problem in my case is during 2002 i was sent to India by my current company for handling the project there. I was there for 7 months.
Would like to know if this long stay can be an issue in my ILR.

Thanks in advance

Formally speaking it's a problem , but - if you remained on the UK payroll with all appropriate Inland Revenue contributions being collected, I think you can make a case that this was a "secondment abroad" on behalf of a UK employer and that activity from the project was directly contributing to the UK economy.

Consider consulting with a lawyer as well to present your case properly.

You will have to declare all trips outside of UK for more than 3 months on your ILR form. You will have to have a good explanation for that, perhaps its a good idea to get a solicitor's opinion on what excuse is acceptable.

I know people who got ILR with a 3 month gap on workpermits without going via a solicitor. In your case, don't know how a 7 month gap will be treated by the home office.
As AtW mentioned, If you file your ILR application through a solicitor, then you might find a better chance. Apart from explaining your long absence, you will also have to provided evidence that you have made enough social/domestic tie-ups through financial means and your education/skills during your 4 year stay in UK (eg: mortgages, share/fund investments, active member of a body represented by the govt )

Thanks for your advice. I'll be getting in touch with the solicitor, in the mean time if you have any further suggesstions , please post them.
Thanks again