Reform UK pledges to end permanent settlement rights for migrants

Reform UK has unveiled plans to eliminate the path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for migrants, requiring them to reapply for visas every five years.

The proposal would also bar non-citizens from claiming welfare benefits, measures the party argues would save around £234bn over the average migrant’s lifetime.

Under current rules, migrants can apply for ILR after five years, granting permanent residency, work rights and access to benefits. Reform UK proposes replacing ILR with temporary visas subject to renewal every five years.

The party says the changes target the “Boris wave” of 3.8 million arrivals since Brexit, many of whom qualify for settlement under existing rules.

Critics note the £234bn savings figure comes from a Centre for Policy Studies report, which the Office for Budget Responsibility has since challenged.

A government spokesperson dismissed Reform’s plan as a “gimmick” but said ministers are considering extending the Universal Credit waiting period for foreign nationals from five to ten years.

Reform’s policy chief Zia Yusuf told The Telegraph: “The era of cheap foreign labour is over.” He warned that hundreds of thousands could lose settled status and face deportation if they cannot secure new visas or access benefits.

World Bank data shows the UAE has one of the highest proportions of international migrants, with foreigners making up about 90% of its workforce.

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Reform UK claims that replacing permanent settlement with renewable visas and restricting welfare access could save hundreds of billions, while opponents warn the cost estimates are disputed.

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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