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Political reporter Sam Francis reported that Reform UK is proposing a significant change in the UK’s immigration policy. If the party wins the next election, all migrants with permanent settled status will be required to reapply for visas under stricter regulations. This initiative would also eliminate the option of applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants migrants permanent residency and access to benefits. Reform aims to restrict welfare access to British citizens only, claiming that their proposals could potentially save £234bn over the years, although this estimate is subject to debate.
Currently, migrants can apply for ILR after residing in the UK for five years, granting them the right to live and work in the country permanently. Reform intends to replace ILR with a system where migrants must reapply for visas every five years, including those already living in the UK. Applicants would need to meet specific criteria such as a higher salary threshold and language proficiency. Simultaneously, the government is considering extending the waiting period to apply for ILR from five to ten years.
Reform’s announcement represents a challenge to the so-called “Boris wave,” referring to the influx of 3.8 million migrants entering the UK under relaxed post-Brexit regulations implemented by Boris Johnson’s government. The party, led by Nigel Farage, emphasized its goal of amplifying awareness regarding this phenomenon. Additionally, Reform plans to introduce new visa pathways, such as the Acute Skills Shortage Visas (ASSV) for critical occupations, and enhance routes for entrepreneurs and investors to support the economy.
Labour has questioned Reform’s projected savings of £234bn, citing concerns regarding the reliability of the data source. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the figure, Farage argued that it is likely an underestimation. The proposition to restrict welfare benefits to UK citizens could potentially conflict with the EU Withdrawal Agreement’s protection of settled status for EU nationals. Nevertheless, Reform remains steadfast in its pursuit of overhauling the immigration system to align with other countries and enhance economic prospects
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