Nigel Farage has launched a blistering attack on the UK's settlement system for migrants, demanding the immediate abolition of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The Reform UK honorary president branded the current framework 'profoundly un-British' and a major obstacle to effective immigration control.
A System 'Past Its Sell-By Date'
Speaking with characteristic fervour, Farage argued that ILR creates a 'subclass of residents' with no incentive to fully integrate into British society. He claims the system, which grants permanent residency rights, undermines national cohesion and fails to prioritise the country's economic needs.
The Alternative: An Australian-Style Model
Farage is championing a radical replacement modelled on Australia's approach. His proposal centres on a strict, renewable points-based visa for long-term migrants. This would assess individuals based on skills, language proficiency, and employment prospects, with renewals contingent on continued contribution to the UK.
Key Pillars of the Proposed System:
- Renewable Visas: Long-term settlement would be granted through visas requiring periodic renewal, not permanent status.
- Points-Based Assessment: A rigorous evaluation of skills, English language ability, and financial independence.
- Contribution-Focused: Visa renewals would be tied to an individual's ongoing economic and social contribution.
The Reform UK leader's intervention signals his intention to make immigration a central battleground in the upcoming political season. He aims to pressure the Conservative government from the right, claiming their current policies lack the robustness needed to manage migration effectively.
This move is seen by many as an attempt to reclaim ownership of the Brexit debate, focusing on one of the key issues that defined the 2016 referendum campaign. The government has yet to issue an official response to Farage's latest salvo.
