Reform UK's Immigration Plans - the implications

Introduction to Reform UK's Immigration Plans

Reform UK has proposed significant changes to the current immigration policy, specifically targeting the pathway to permanent settlement. If successful in the upcoming election, the party intends to eliminate the option for migrants to obtain indefinite leave to remain after residing in the UK for five years. This proposal marks a notable shift from existing regulations and could have substantial implications for individuals seeking long-term settlement in the country. The policy aims to tighten immigration controls and potentially alter the landscape for future migrants.

Key issues with the current system that Reform UK aims to address

Under the existing framework, migrants may seek indefinite leave to remain after residing in the UK for five years. This status grants them the right to live, study, and work in the UK on a permanent basis. It is an important step on the route to obtaining British citizenship and enables individuals to access benefits.

Proposed changes by Reform UK to the immigration policies

Reform UK's immigration plans propose significant changes, primarily by abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and replacing it with a visa system requiring renewal every five years.

If implemented, this proposal will affect hundreds of thousands of current migrants in the UK, who would need to meet stricter criteria such as a higher salary threshold and improved English proficiency.

Additionally, the party intends to restrict welfare access exclusively to British citizens, arguing that these measures could potentially save £234 billion over several decades.

These plans aim to tighten immigration control and reduce government expenditure by implementing more stringent visa requirements and limiting social benefits access.

Impact of the proposed reforms on the UK economy and society

Notwithstanding the claimed savings from the welfare budget, which are already disputed and have been withdrawn following a complaint from the Office for National Statistics, the main impact will be on the UK economy. The SNP has released a statement:

"Farage’s plans would threaten the collapse of our NHS and would crash the economy all over again. Instead of attacking migrants who staff our NHS, contribute to our economy and strengthen our society - the truth that Westminster politicians refuse to face is that Brexit broke Britain and Farage was the key architect of that disaster."

Reform has said that those no longer able to qualify for ILR because of access to public funds, for example, will be forcibly removed as part of a "mass deportation".

Comparison of Reform UK's immigration plans with existing policies

Reform proposes replacing ILR with increased entrepreneur and investor migration routes, aiming to attract founders, innovators, and significant capital investors to the economy. They plan to introduce an Acute Skills Shortage Visa for crisis-hit jobs, allowing firms to hire one foreign worker only if they train a domestic counterpart.

Currently, the government is considering doubling the wait time for migrants to apply for ILR from five to ten years. Reform's new policy could be an attempt to influence these government plans by offering alternative solutions to immigration challenges.

Potential challenges and criticisms of Reform UK's proposals

Applying the policy retrospectively to those already residing in the country is a particularly contentious issue. Hundreds of thousands of individuals could lose their rights unless they comply with stringent rules. This approach could plunge families nationwide into uncertainty and likely expose the policy to legal challenges on human rights and legitimate expectation grounds.

Conclusion on Reform UK's immigration policy

The policy appears to be really ill-conceived. It is a disincentive to seeking entry to the UK for those coming through legitimate work and relationship routes which is not considered problematic by the majority of the population.

Any attempt to make the policy retrospective is likely to prove impossible to implement as the law presently stands.