On Monday, Nigel Farage declared that Reform UK would abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK and replace it with renewable five-year visas subject to rigid criteria. Under his proposal, those currently holding ILR—estimated at hundreds of thousands—would lose their permanent status and need to reapply, while new applicants would face much tougher thresholds (e.g. higher salary, strong English proficiency, no welfare access). Farage claimed the change would save £234 billion, based on a Centre for Policy Studies report. That CPS report has since been withdrawn amid criticism over its methodology.
In response, many Nigerians living in the UK slammed the plan as unjust and unrealistic, arguing their contributions are often overlooked. Immigration lawyer Dele Olawanle warned that political apathy could empower those enacting such measures. A Nigerian skilled worker in Birmingham, Olayemi Adelosi, described the proposals as unfair and detrimental to many non-nationals.
The announcement sparked strong reactions in the UK political scene. Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned it as “racist” and “immoral,” particularly targeting legal residents. He contrasted removing rights from lawfully settled immigrants with removing illegal migrants. The Guardian reported similar backlash and noted the potential mass impact of stripping settled status. Reuters also confirmed that the UK is considering tougher rules on permanent residency, influenced by both Reform’s proposals and Labour’s competing policy ideas.
The move by Farage has thus ignited fierce debate — raising concerns over legal feasibility, human impact, and electoral stakes — particularly among Nigerian and wider migrant communities in the UK.
SOURCE: Reuters, The Guardian, FT
IMAGE: StreetJournal
