Nigel Farage has sparked controversy by announcing plans to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if Reform UK wins the next election, a move he claims would save taxpayers £234 billion. The party leader described ILR as a 'scam' and a 'fiscal timebomb' that could bankrupt the country.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Farage outlined proposals to force hundreds of thousands of migrants to leave the UK by rescinding existing ILR status and halting new awards. Instead, migrants would need to apply for a five-year renewable visa with stricter criteria, including English language proficiency and a high salary threshold, plus limits on dependants.
Reform estimates that 3.8 million post-pandemic migrants will become eligible for ILR between 2026 and 2030, many of whom they claim are low-skilled or likely to claim benefits. Those rejected under the new system would lose state support and face removal under 'Operation Restoring Justice'.
Critics have condemned the plan as draconian and unworkable, warning it could cause widespread disruption to families and businesses. Farage, however, insists the changes will be phased in to allow businesses to train British workers, declaring that 'the era of cheap foreign labour is over'.
The policy document, due for release on Monday, also proposes restricting welfare to UK citizens only and extending the citizenship qualifying period. Farage accused the Tories and Labour of turning the UK into a 'foodbank for the world'.
