Reform UK Proposes to Scrap Indefinite Leave to Remain: What It Means for Migrants
Reform UK has unveiled a controversial immigration policy that could radically alter the rights of migrants living in Britain. The party has pledged to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — the status that currently allows migrants to live in the UK without time restrictions and often serves as a pathway to citizenship.
Instead, Reform proposes replacing ILR with renewable five-year visas subject to stricter conditions, including higher salary thresholds and tougher English language requirements. The policy would apply not only to future migrants but also to hundreds of thousands already on the route to settlement, sparking concerns of widespread disruption.
What Is ILR?
ILR is a cornerstone of UK immigration law. It grants people the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, while also providing access to certain public benefits, such as Universal Credit. Most migrants are eligible to apply after five years of lawful residence if they meet existing requirements.
Reform UK’s Proposed Changes
Led by Nigel Farage, Reform argues the UK can no longer act as “the world’s food bank,” claiming the changes could save taxpayers £234 billion over several decades — though economists and independent experts have questioned these figures.
Key proposals include:
Scrapping ILR and replacing it with five-year renewable visas.
Raising salary and language thresholds, making it more difficult to remain in the UK long-term.
Restricting welfare access to British citizens only.
Retrospective application, meaning even those already on the ILR route could be affected.
Introducing an Acute Skills Shortage Visa, requiring employers to recruit overseas workers only if they train a UK worker at the same time.
Extending the waiting period for citizenship from six to seven years.
Political and Legal Reaction
The announcement has triggered strong reactions across the political spectrum:
Government response: Chancellor Rachel Reeves dismissed Reform’s financial claims as “unrealistic.” The government is already consulting on extending ILR eligibility from five to ten years.
Conservatives: Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Reform of “copying Conservative ideas” but in an “unworkable” form.
Liberal Democrats: Warned the policy would create “chaos for businesses” and harm the UK economy.
Legal experts: Predicted legal challenges, particularly against the retrospective removal of settlement rights that would disrupt families and communities.
What It Means for Migrants
If implemented, the proposals could have far-reaching consequences:
Migrants currently on the path to ILR could lose their entitlement.
Families who have lived in Britain for years might face uncertainty and stricter requirements.
Employers dependent on international workers could struggle to retain staff.
Those reliant on welfare could lose both support and their immigration status.
Conclusion
Reform UK’s plan to abolish ILR represents one of the most radical shifts in immigration policy in decades. While aimed at reducing public spending and controlling migration, the move risks plunging hundreds of thousands of migrants into uncertainty.
With legal battles and political debates on the horizon, the future of settlement rights in the UK is now under intense scrutiny.
