Reform UK to scrap ILR and require reapplication for five-year visa

Nigel Farage on Monday unveiled a sweeping immigration overhaul that would abolish the indefinite leave to remain status and require many people with settled rights to reapply for a five year renewable visa under tougher tests, a policy he said would force hundreds of thousands to leave the UK and save taxpayers more than 230 billion pounds. Farage set out the proposals at a Westminster press conference as Reform UK seeks to translate strong poll ratings into wider electoral support.

Under the plan, called in party documents a replacement for indefinite leave to remain or ILR, no new ILR awards would be made and some existing settled statuses would be rescinded. Those affected would have a limited period to apply for a new visa with stricter criteria including higher salary thresholds, a stronger standard of English and longer residence requirements before naturalisation. Reform says applicants would face tighter limits on bringing dependants and would be denied access to welfare, with benefits reserved for British citizens only. The party also says removals would be managed under its existing Operation Restoring Justice enforcement programme and that changes would be...