Skilled visa after being in ICT for 6 years

Posting on behalf of a friend!!

I reached UK in Tier2 ICT Short term visa in Dec 2015.I went back to India in Dec 2016 and came back in Feb 2017 in ICT long term visa.
My ICT visa will expire in Jan 2022.
1.Can I immediately apply for Skilled worker visa in country?
2.Is there any restrictions in settling down after 5 years?
3.I heard that this new visa is just a trial run and more restrictions will follow in the next year.
Is that true?Can’t believe UK government’s sudden leniency after introducing so many restrictions to prevent non EU citizens in settling down in UK.
4.Is it mandatory for us to pay the visa cost,IHS etc even if company is willing to pay it?

Thanks in advance

Could someone please answer my above query.

Thanks in advance

1. As far as I am aware, I do not see anything preventing you from applying for a skilled worker visa from the below

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration ... led-worker

2. No, as long as you satisfy the settlement requirements
3. Don't believe in rumors. Please post link if you have any
4. This is between you and the company. Not an immigration issue.

Thank you!