Abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain? What Farage’s Proposal Means, and What the Government Is Actually Doing
- Mati Lio
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also called settlement, is the closest thing the UK has to permanent residency. Holders gain the right to live, work, and access public services without visa restrictions.
Typically, ILR is granted after five years on certain visa routes (skilled worker, spouse, etc.), though exceptions exist. After one year of ILR, many go on to apply for British citizenship.
For migrants and families, ILR is more than paperwork — it represents stability, long-term planning, and belonging. That is what makes current proposals to reform or even abolish ILR so politically explosive.
What’s Being Proposed?
There are three main strands of reform in play right now:
1. The Government’s White Paper (May 2025): Restoring Control over the Immigration System
Proposes doubling the qualifying period for settlement from 5 to 10 years for many visa categories.
Introduces an “earned settlement” pathway, where some can qualify sooner if they make substantial economic or social contributions.
Keeps ILR as a status, but makes it harder and slower to obtain.
2. Conservative Party (Kemi Badenoch leadership)
Plans to tighten ILR eligibility by excluding applicants who have used certain public benefits or social housing.
Would also align with the White Paper by lengthening the qualifying period.
3. Reform UK (Nigel Farage): The Radical Proposal
Abolish ILR outright and replace it with a renewable 5-year visa system.
Even existing ILR holders could be forced to reapply under stricter new rules (higher salary thresholds, advanced English, clean record of no benefit usage).
Reform UK claims this will save taxpayers billions, though economists and fact-checkers dispute the figures.
ILR Abolition: Proposal or Reality?
No law has been passed to abolish ILR.
The current government has not announced plans to strip ILR from people who already hold it.
Many details of the Reform UK proposal remain uncertain, including whether exemptions would apply to refugees, Hong Kong BN(O) holders, or Ukrainians.
Why This Proposal Is So Controversial
1. Legal Feasibility
Retrospectively revoking ILR raises questions under UK law and international human rights law. Courts could strike down attempts to apply new rules to those who already qualify under current legislation.
2. Economic Impact
Sectors like health and social care rely heavily on migrant workers who see ILR as a long-term incentive. Removing it could worsen labour shortages.
3. Social Stability
Families who have built lives in the UK could face repeated uncertainty. Instead of encouraging integration, renewable visas might foster insecurity and “permanent limbo.”
4. Political Strategy
For Reform UK, the proposal is as much about headlines and voter appeal as actual implementation. With broad condemnation from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, SNP, and even senior Conservatives, the odds of this policy becoming law without Reform winning power are slim.
Historical Context
ILR has existed in UK immigration law since the Immigration Act 1971. Successive governments — Labour, Conservative, Coalition — have tightened routes to ILR, but the principle has endured for over 50 years.
Abolishing it would mark the biggest structural change to UK immigration law in half a century. That’s why the backlash has been so strong, even from parties that support stricter controls.
What It Means for Migrants and Employers
For migrants: The immediate reality is unchanged — ILR is still obtainable after five years on qualifying routes. However, it’s clear that the trend is toward longer waits and tougher requirements.
For employers: Recruitment and retention could become harder if permanent settlement pathways are weakened. Skilled migrants often compare options globally; Canada and Australia, for example, continue to offer clear permanent residency routes.
The Bottom Line
ILR is not abolished — yet.
Government proposals aim to make it harder and slower to get, but still keep it.
Reform UK’s plan to abolish ILR outright is radical, controversial, and currently unlikely to pass — but it has shifted the debate.
Migrants and employers should prepare for a tougher environment, but not panic: current ILR rights remain in place unless and until new legislation is passed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR is the UK’s permanent residency status. It allows migrants to live and work in the UK without time limits and is usually a step toward British citizenship.
2. What is Reform UK proposing?
Nigel Farage and Reform UK have proposed abolishing ILR and replacing it with renewable visas, meaning migrants would not have a guaranteed permanent residency pathway.
3. Does this proposal affect current ILR holders?
At this stage, it is only a proposal, not law. No official policy has been implemented, and current ILR holders remain protected under existing rules.
4. Will this affect naturalization and British citizenship applications?
Yes, if implemented. Since ILR is a key requirement for citizenship, removing it would significantly change the pathway to naturalization.
5. Is this proposal already in effect?
No. It is a political position announced by Reform UK. Any change would require parliamentary approval and new legislation.
6. Where can I find the official rules?
The most accurate and updated information is always published on the UK Home Office website:
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Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to share this post with friends, family, or communities who might be affected. Your voice could spark an important conversation.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. It draws on publicly available UK government publications, parliamentary briefings, and widely reported news sources. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. For personal cases, always seek advice from an accredited immigration lawyer or official Home Office guidance.
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