Nigel Farage faces criticism for his proposed changes to the citizenship route for migrants, which experts warn could strain the NHS. As the leader of Reform UK, Farage announced plans to eliminate indefinite leave to remain (ILR), potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of settled migrants in the UK.
Farage aims to restrict benefits to UK citizens only and mandate that migrants seeking British citizenship renounce any other citizenship. His focus is on the approximately 800,000 individuals expected to qualify for ILR between 2020 and 2024.
The surge in legal migration, dubbed the “Boris wave” during Boris Johnson’s tenure as PM, led to a notable increase in net migration post-Brexit. However, stricter migration regulations resulted in a decline in figures last year.
Reform’s proposals were criticized by Downing Street as unrealistic and divisive, with concerns raised about the impact on the NHS and social care workforce. Unions highlighted the essential role of overseas staff in sustaining vital public services.
While Reform suggested the introduction of an ‘acute skills shortage visa’ for critical national roles, details on capping numbers under this scheme were lacking. Additionally, doubts arose regarding the financial savings claimed by Reform, as well as inconsistencies in welfare eligibility criteria.
The announcement coincides with ongoing immigration policy discussions in Keir Starmer’s government, including stricter language requirements and changes in recruitment practices for certain sectors. Proposals to extend wait times for Universal Credit claims by foreign nationals and increase residency requirements for permanent citizenship are also under consideration.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, condemned the potential deportation threats against legal residents, emphasizing their contributions to the community. Despite previous suggestions of health insurance requirements for some, Reform UK affirms its commitment to maintaining a free NHS.
As the debate continues, concerns persist about the implications of Farage’s proposals on migrant workers and the overall functioning of essential services like healthcare.