At a recent press conference, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, alongside policy chief Zia Yusuf, announced a proposal to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The policy would require individuals to reapply for visas every five years, subject to stringent salary and English language requirements, and stricter rules for dependents.
Farage stated the policy’s objective is to prevent approximately 800,000 people from becoming eligible for ILR between 2026 and 2030. Reform UK later clarified that this policy would not apply to EU immigrants holding settled status.
The announcement drew various reactions from political figures and professional bodies. Nicola Ranger, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, described the potential impact on migrant nursing staff as “abhorrent,” warning that services could cease to function. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented that the plans “have no basis in reality.” Labour party chair Anna Turley stated the proposals were “falling apart in real time” and questioned their impact on families, also noting the clarification regarding EU nationals. London Mayor Sadiq Khan deemed the idea of deporting legally working individuals “unacceptable,” while Scottish National Party Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart characterized the proposals as “desperate and despicable.”
Source: www.theguardian.com