Offshore Oil Worker UKCS - The new 180 day rule

[Wilburfied]

Main question - Do the days working on the UK continental shelf (outside 12km territorial zone but in UK waters on a drilling rig count towards absence from the UK. I am on a rig just over this at about 182.

I have been living in the UK for 4 years with a residence permit, obtained under the form FLR(O). I renew annually.

I was hoping to continue this for 10 years and after apply for residency under the 10 year continuous residence route.

But now with the 180 absent from the UK rule. How do you guys think I will go? I easily spend less than 180 days a year away form the UK on holidays etc. Maybe 40 days away on top of work days

[manci]

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... iew=Binary
Time spent working off shore on the UK Continental Shelf, beyond the 12 mile zone defined as UK Territorial waters does not count toward the continuous qualifying period for ILR, for example on ships or oil rigs. This is counted as an absence.