Reform UK has set out controversial new immigration proposals, pledging to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if the party comes to power in the next general election.
End of Settlement Rights After Five Years
Currently, migrants in the UK can apply for ILR after living in the country for five years, granting them the right to stay permanently, work, study, and eventually apply for British citizenship. The system also provides access to benefits.
Under Reform’s proposals, this pathway would be removed entirely. Instead, migrants would be required to reapply for visas every five years under stricter conditions, including:
- Meeting a higher minimum salary threshold
- Demonstrating a stronger command of the English language
- Accepting tighter restrictions on welfare and state support
Limiting Welfare to British Citizens Only
The party also stated that welfare benefits would be reserved exclusively for British citizens. Reform argues that cutting off migrants from public funds would save the UK an estimated £234 billion over several decades.
Party leader Nigel Farage defended the plans, saying the UK should not act as “the world’s food bank.” He added: “It is not for us to provide welfare for people coming in from all over the world.”
Government’s Response
The proposals were met with criticism from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who argued that the projected savings had “no basis in reality.” She stressed that the current government is already reviewing ways to limit migrants’ access to welfare.
Meanwhile, ministers are separately consulting on reforms that could double the ILR qualification period from five years to ten.
Targeting the “Boris Wave”
The announcement marks the latest move in Reform’s campaign against what it calls the “Boris wave” – a term referring to the 3.8 million migrants who entered the UK after Brexit under the looser rules introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
According to Farage, the new policy aims to highlight that “hundreds of thousands” of these arrivals will soon become eligible for ILR. Reform wants to stop this by replacing permanent settlement with renewable visa conditions.
What This Means Going Forward
If implemented, the plans would fundamentally reshape the UK’s immigration system. Instead of offering long-term settlement, migrants would face ongoing visa renewals, higher barriers to stay, and restrictions on welfare access.
Supporters argue this would ease pressure on public services and ensure fairness to British citizens. Critics, however, warn it could destabilize families, reduce the UK’s global competitiveness, and strain industries that depend on migrant workers.
