Reform UK Proposes Mass Deportation and Restrictive Immigration Policies

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has unveiled a sweeping immigration policy that would see hundreds of thousands of legal migrants deported as part of a plan to save £234 billion (NZ$538 billion) over the lifetime of the average migrant. The policy, which has sparked both support and controversy, aims to tighten immigration rules and reduce the financial burden on the UK’s public services.

Stricter Visa Requirements and Deportation Plans

Under the proposed plan, migrants with permanent residency would be required to reapply for visas under stricter criteria. These include higher salary thresholds, improved English language proficiency, and extended waiting periods before applying for British citizenship. The policy seeks to prevent foreign nationals from accessing the UK’s welfare system and the National Health Service (NHS).

Farage has named the initiative 'Operation Restoring Justice', claiming that hundreds of thousands of migrants would lose their settled status. Those who do not leave voluntarily would be subject to deportation as part of the mass programme. The focus of the policy is on the so-called 'Boriswave' — 3.8 million people who moved to the UK after Brexit under more relaxed immigration rules introduced by the previous government.

Ending Indefinite Leave to Remain

Farage has pledged to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) within 100 days of Reform UK forming a government. This would mean that migrants would no longer have lifetime access to welfare benefits. Reform’s policy chief, Zia Yusuf, has argued that the current system has led to a 'financial disaster' for the UK, with an estimated 800,000 people becoming eligible to claim benefits next year.

New Visa Scheme and Criticisms

In an attempt to address skilled labor shortages, Reform UK has proposed a new 'Acute Skills Shortage Visa'. However, the visa would come with strict conditions requiring employers to train British workers. The party has also argued that the era of cheap foreign labor is over and that businesses relying on low-cost migrant workers must adapt.

Despite these measures, the policy has faced criticism from some sectors of the economy that rely on foreign labor. Business groups have expressed concerns that the proposed changes could lead to labor shortages and increased costs for employers. Reform UK, however, remains firm in its stance, claiming that the changes are necessary to protect the UK’s economy and public services.

As the debate over immigration policy intensifies, Reform UK’s proposals have reignited discussions about the balance between economic needs and immigration control in the UK.