Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has unveiled hardline immigration proposals that could directly impact Nigerians and other migrants living in the UK. While the right-wing press praises his policies as “tough,” critics warn that the plans are unclear, potentially damaging, and could tear families apart.
What is being proposed?
Farage says his party would:
- Abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Migrants would no longer gain permanent residency after five years.
- Force current ILR holders to reapply: Even Nigerians who already secured ILR could be required to meet stricter rules, such as higher salary thresholds and tougher English requirements.
- Restrict benefits access: Only British citizens would qualify, cutting off welfare for migrants.
- Save £234 billion: Reform UK claims its plan would save taxpayers money, but experts say this figure is highly disputed and unreliable.
Who would be affected?
Farage’s team suggests “hundreds of thousands” could lose their settled status. This raises serious questions:
- Would the reforms apply to Nigerians with ILR who have been in the UK for years or even decades?
- What about children born in the UK to Nigerian parents who hold ILR?
- Would families be split if one parent lost status while children remained British citizens?
These questions remain unanswered, leaving many Nigerians in the UK anxious about their future.
Could it harm the economy?
Experts warn that scrapping ILR could backfire:
- Sectors like healthcare, social care, construction, and agriculture—where many Nigerians work—may struggle to recruit staff.
- Employers already face shortages, and raising salary thresholds could push even more roles out of reach for migrants.
- Nigerians applying for visas in the UK may find new restrictions, meaning fewer pathways to settle permanently.
Farage proposes a new “Acute Skills Shortage Visa”, where companies could only hire one migrant worker if they train a UK worker at the same time. However, critics say this would not solve immediate labour shortages.
Why this matters for Nigerians in the UK
- If implemented, these reforms could strip away stability for many Nigerians who planned their lives around ILR and citizenship.
- Families risk separation, businesses could face worker shortages, and long-term residents may feel unfairly targeted despite following legal pathways.
- The proposals are still at the policy stage and not law, but they signal the political direction Reform UK would take if in power.
👉 Bottom line: Nigerians in the UK should stay informed, understand their rights, and prepare for possible immigration changes ahead of the next general election.
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