Nigel Farage’s proposal to eliminate the primary path to citizenship for migrants has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the stability of the NHS. The leader of Reform UK announced intentions to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) if elected, jeopardizing the residency status of hundreds of thousands of legally settled individuals in the UK.
Farage’s plan also includes barring non-UK citizens from receiving benefits and mandating migrants seeking British citizenship to renounce any other citizenship they hold. Targeting approximately 800,000 individuals eligible for ILR between 2020 and 2024, Farage cited a surge in legal migration during Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, following Brexit.
Downing Street condemned Reform’s proposals as “unrealistic, unworkable, unfunded,” accusing the party of exacerbating societal divisions rather than addressing underlying issues. Organizations representing NHS and care workers emphasized the critical role of overseas staff in sustaining essential services, denouncing the policies as detrimental and impractical.
Reform suggested the introduction of an “acute skills shortage visa” for crucial national roles, potentially including social care, although specifics on capping numbers under this scheme remain undisclosed. Additionally, doubts emerged regarding the cost-saving claims associated with the plan and discrepancies in the eligibility criteria for welfare benefits.
Amidst ongoing consultations on immigration reforms by Keir Starmer’s government, proposed changes include stricter language requirements, limitations on overseas recruitment for social care, and adjustments to citizenship acquisition processes. The government is exploring extending the wait time for foreign nationals to access Universal Credit and imposing stricter criteria for permanent settlement and citizenship qualifications.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, voiced opposition to the proposal, highlighting the contributions of legally residing individuals and condemning threats of deportation. Farage previously hinted at imposing health insurance requirements for certain families using the NHS, although Reform UK affirms its commitment to maintaining free healthcare services.
As the debate on immigration policies intensifies, stakeholders stress the essential role of migrant workers in sustaining critical sectors and caution against measures that could deter skilled professionals from contributing to the UK’s healthcare system and wider society.