Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), will it be abolished in the UK?

You may have heard that Reform UK wants to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they win the next General Election.

Here’s what you need to know right now:

• Reform UK is not in government — their plans are not law.

• Nothing has changed — you can still apply for ILR under the current rules.

• The next election doesn’t have to take place until August 2029, unless called earlier.

• Even if Reform UK won, they’d still need to form a government and pass new laws first.

The Full Story

Will Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Be Abolished in the UK?: What is Reform UK proposing?

Reform UK has said that, if elected, it would:

• End the right for migrants to qualify for ILR after five years.

• Require migrants to reapply for visas under tougher rules instead of progressing to settlement.

• Restrict welfare so that only British citizens could claim benefits.

  
  

This would represent a major shift away from the current system, where ILR provides long-term stability after a qualifying period.

When could this matter?

The most recent General Election was in July 2024. The next one doesn’t need to happen until August 2029 at the latest (though it could be called earlier).

For Reform UK’s proposals to become law, the party would first need to:

1. Win enough seats to form a government, and

2. Pass new legislation in Parliament.

Final Thoughts

At the moment, talk of abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK is just that — talk. ILR remains part of the UK immigration system. If you’re on the path to settlement, focus on the current rules and keep an eye on future political developments.