A wave of concern has swept through the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom following comments by Reform UK leader and Trump ally, Nigel Farage, proposing to scrap the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) immigration status.
Farage announced that if elected, his party would replace ILR with renewable five-year visas under stricter conditions—higher salary thresholds, advanced English language requirements, and no access to welfare or NHS without private health insurance.
“We will abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain altogether, including rescinding it retrospectively,” Farage stated at a recent press briefing.
Reform UK, projected to win a majority in upcoming elections according to YouGov polling, is gaining ground fast, surging from five seats in 2024 to a projected 311.
ILR grants non-British nationals permanent residency rights, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, usually after five years on qualifying visas.
With over 293,000 Nigerians living in the UK as of the 2021/2022 census—and an estimated 52,000 more arriving in 2024—the proposed changes have triggered fears among immigrants already navigating a complex and costly system.
Dele Olawanle, a UK-based immigration lawyer, urged immigrants to get politically active.
“If you are an immigrant in the UK and don’t vote, the enemies of immigrants will take over. Brexit seemed impossible once, but Farage misled many Britons,” he warned.
Olawanle condemned the policy as ignorant and harmful, arguing that the UK’s public services, especially the NHS, rely heavily on migrant labor.
Olayemi Adelosi, a skilled worker in Birmingham, criticized the plan as both unfair and economically unsound.
“Immigrants contribute significantly. Farage’s Brexit promises didn’t materialise either. Now he’s claiming we rely on state benefits, but we already pay high ILR fees,” he said.
Vincent Ajayi, another Nigerian resident, said many people reached out to him in fear after hearing the policy proposal.
“They’re planning to extend ILR eligibility to 10 years. People are scared—especially with talk that the Black and Muslim populations are growing and White Britons could become a minority.”
Ajayi advised Nigerians to apply for ILR or citizenship as soon as possible.
“Many are due for ILR but haven’t gotten it yet. A change in government could change everything. This policy is being used to attract anti-immigrant voters.”
Ola Wusi, who has lived in the UK for nearly five years, said he would be directly impacted if ILR were scrapped.
“This is clearly a political move to win White votes. They want to frustrate immigrants. But we won’t be pressured.”
A Nigerian in Plymouth, speaking anonymously, highlighted the rising cost of applying for ILR.
“In 2022, ILR cost £1,222. It’s now £3,720 per person. Imagine a family of five. It’s unaffordable.”
Despite growing anxiety, he believes the proposal may not pass.
“Many Britons understand that immigrants help sustain the UK economy. Farage’s idea might not fly.”
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