Nigel Farage’s recent initiative to restrict migrants’ ability to seek permanent residency has encountered setbacks due to errors related to financial projections.
The Reform UK leader proposed eliminating indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for migrants if his party gains power. Currently, migrants can apply for ILR after five years, but Mr. Farage intends to require them to renew their visas every five years under Reform UK’s policy.
To qualify, applicants would need to meet specific requirements such as a higher income threshold and a higher level of proficiency in English. They would also have to demonstrate seven years of residency in the UK, up from the current five years, with stricter regulations on bringing family members to the country. Moreover, the proposed visa would exclude access to welfare benefits.
Both Mr. Farage and Reform’s policy chief, Zia Yusuf, asserted that the taxpayer savings could surpass £230 billion. However, these figures seem to be based on a report released in February by the Centre for Policy Studies, which the think tank has advised against using.
A Labour source criticized Reform’s plan, stating that their announcement had quickly unraveled and lacked credibility. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson also criticized the proposals, labeling them unrealistic and unfunded.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized that the purported savings projected by Reform UK were already being disproven. She highlighted the government’s efforts to address illegal migration and reform the welfare system to reduce the benefits bill.
In response, a Reform UK representative defended the financial estimates, arguing that the actual costs could be much higher due to differences in migration patterns from various countries.
Overall, the debate surrounding Reform UK’s proposals underscores the ongoing contention over immigration policies and welfare reforms in the UK.