Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has unveiled a controversial immigration policy proposing to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a key route to permanent residency in the UK. Under the plan, migrants would be required to apply for a new, renewable five-year work visa, subject to stricter criteria including higher salary thresholds, advanced English proficiency, and limited access to public benefits. The pathway to British citizenship would also be extended from five to seven years.
Existing ILR holders, estimated at over 800,000, would lose their status and be required to reapply under the new system. Farage argues that this policy will reduce welfare spending and end the influx of “cheap foreign labour” . However, critics, including migration experts and economists, argue that the plan could lead to hardship for migrants and harm the UK’s ability to attract talent. The ban on dual citizenship and proposed savings from welfare cuts have been labeled unrealistic, with economists stating migrants make a net fiscal contribution .
The proposal has been widely criticised across the political spectrum. Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves dismissed the plan as unrealistic and unfunded, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it unacceptable. The SNP branded Reform’s agenda as “desperate and despicable,” arguing it would damage the NHS and economy. The Conservatives also claimed Reform’s policies were “half-baked” imitations of their own immigration reforms .
Despite holding only five parliamentary seats, Reform UK is currently leading in polls with 28% support, outpacing Labour. The government’s own proposals to extend the ILR qualification period from five to ten years have also been met with criticism, with some arguing that they could lead to increased uncertainty for migrants .
As the debate continues, the future of ILR and the broader immigration system remains a contentious issue in UK politics.
