Reform UK leader seeks scrapping of 5-year path to settlement for migrants

Nigel Farage, Reform United Kingdom (UK) leader, says he will end the right of migrants to qualify for permanent settlement after five years if the party wins the next election.

Farage spoke on Monday while launching the party’s immigration policies.

The next general election in UK is due by mid-2029. But the current Labour government is facing internal conflicts and economic challenges that could destabilise it before the full term is completed.

These factors, according to Farage, might force an election as early as 2027, while local polls are scheduled to hold next may.

Reform is currently leading both Labour and the Conservatives in the opinion polls.

Under Farage’s proposed plans, migrants would need to reapply for new visas with tougher rules.

He said the party would abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which gives people rights and access to benefits, and bar anyone other than British citizens from accessing welfare.

He claimed the plans would save £234 billion over several decades.

Under Reform’s plans, migrants would be forced to reapply for their visas every five years, meet a higher salary threshold than the current level of £35,800 for skilled workers, and wait seven years before applying for a British passport.

They would also be required to prove they are fluent in English to a professional standard and have “good character” and a clean criminal record.

Any applicant who has spent more than 90 days outside the UK or claimed benefits would be banned from remaining in the country, Farage added.