Migrants living in the UK may no longer be allowed to settle permanently if Reform UK wins the next general election. The party has announced plans to scrap Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a key immigration status that allows people to live, work, and claim benefits in the UK after five years of residence.
The policy would affect hundreds of thousands of people already in the UK, many of whom are close to applying for ILR. Reform suggests that migrants would need to reapply for visas every five years and meet stricter requirements, including earning a higher salary and demonstrating a better command of English.
The plan, as informed by the BBC, is part of the UK’s approach to reduce legal immigration and limit welfare support to British citizens only.
ILR to Be Replaced with Temporary Visas
Currently, migrants can apply for ILR after living in the UK for five years. This status is often a step toward applying for British citizenship. However, the country may be headed down a different path in the future, as Reform UK proposes abolishing ILR entirely and introducing a new system where visas must be renewed every five years.
The party confirmed that the change would not only apply to new arrivals but also to people already living in the UK.
Reform’s policy chief, Zia Yusuf, said, “Hundreds of thousands of people [will be] having to apply and ultimately losing their settled status in the UK.”
Migrants Could Face Deportation or Lose Benefits
If the new rules are introduced, people who do not qualify under the new visa requirements may be forced to leave the UK. Reform UK says those who lose access to welfare would leave voluntarily, and others would face immigration enforcement.
Party leader Nigel Farage admitted the policy could split families and impact people who are already settled. “That’s why we’re giving people advance notice of what’s coming,” he said.
He added that the UK should not be “the world’s food bank” and said British people had been “priced out of the market” by low-wage foreign labour.
Uncertainty for Migrants Already in the UK
The government estimates that over 430,000 non-EU migrants currently hold ILR. Many more are expected to become eligible in the next few years. Reform says its policy targets the 3.8 million people who came to the UK after Brexit under rules introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Reform says its plan would not affect EU nationals protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. However, others would be required to meet the new rules or leave the country.
Criticism and Doubts About Policy Figures
Labour and other parties have criticised the plan. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the claimed £234bn savings from stopping benefits for migrants “have no basis in reality.” She also said the government is already reviewing welfare access for migrants.
The Centre for Policy Studies, where the figure came from, has since said the number should no longer be used. Still, Farage said the real cost could be even higher.
According to reports, critics warn that the policy could lead to legal challenges and cause disruption for families already living in the UK.
