Farage Plans Post-Election Overhaul of UK Settled Status and Welfare Access

Nigel Farage and Reform UK have unveiled a sweeping plan to overhaul immigration and welfare policies in the UK, targeting the so-called "Boriswave"—the 3.8 million migrants who arrived under Boris Johnson's relaxed post-Brexit rules. Reform UK proposes to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR), requiring migrants to reapply for visas every five years under stricter conditions including higher salary thresholds, improved English proficiency, and extended residency periods before citizenship eligibility. The party aims to bar all foreign nationals from claiming welfare benefits, limiting such access exclusively to UK citizens, potentially saving taxpayers over £230 billion. Farage asserts that many migrants dependent on welfare will leave voluntarily once benefits are cut, while those who do not will face enforcement and deportation measures. These policies come amid criticism of current government arrangements, including the “one in, one out” migration deal with France and ongoing high net migration figures despite promises to reduce them. Reform UK’s campaign highlights concerns over the financial strain on public services, warning that the current immigration and welfare system risks bankrupting the UK unless reformed.