Nigel Farage’s proposal to eliminate the primary path to citizenship for migrants has sparked concerns over the potential strain on the healthcare system. The leader of Reform UK announced intentions to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR), jeopardizing the status of hundreds of thousands of legally settled individuals in the UK.
Farage also outlined plans to restrict non-UK citizens from accessing welfare benefits and impose a requirement for migrants seeking British citizenship to renounce any other citizenship they hold. Targeting approximately 800,000 individuals eligible for ILR between 2020 and 2024, Farage referenced a surge in legal migration during Boris Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The government criticized Reform UK’s proposals as unrealistic and divisive, emphasizing the crucial role of overseas staff in sustaining the NHS. Unions condemned the plans as detrimental, warning of severe consequences on essential services and staff. They emphasized the importance of migrant workers in healthcare and expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of the proposed policies.
Reform UK assured the implementation of an ‘acute skills shortage visa’ for critical national roles, including social care, but specifics on capping numbers under this scheme were lacking. Furthermore, doubts arose regarding the financial savings claim associated with the proposals, as a think tank disavowed the figures.
Farage’s assertion that only UK citizens would qualify for welfare benefits raised questions, particularly regarding individuals under the post-Brexit EU settlement scheme. The Mayor of London and various sources highlighted the significant contributions of legally settled migrants in the UK, rejecting the notion of deporting them.
Amidst ongoing consultations on immigration policies, the government is considering stricter requirements for language proficiency, limitations on overseas recruitment for social care, and adjustments to citizenship eligibility criteria. Potential changes include extending wait times for Universal Credit claims and increasing the qualifying period for settlement.
As discussions continue on immigration reform, the impact of proposed changes on migrant workers, healthcare services, and social cohesion remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny across various sectors.