Nigerians, other migrants, alarmed over UK leader Nigel Farage’s vow to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain, which could lead to loss of permanent residency.
Most Nigerians living in the United Kingdom are voicing deep concern after Reform UK leader and Trump ally Nigel Farage pledged to abolish the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) immigration status if his party wins power.
Farage announced that under his plan, ILR — which grants permanent residency — would be replaced with renewable five-year visas tied to strict conditions. These would include higher salary thresholds, tougher English language tests, and no access to welfare or the National Health Service (NHS) without private health insurance.
“We will abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain altogether, including rescinding it retrospectively,” Farage told reporters at a recent press briefing.
Reform UK is currently surging in the polls, with YouGov projections suggesting it could jump from five seats in 2024 to more than 300 — enough for a parliamentary majority.
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ILR allows non-British nationals to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits, usually after five years on qualifying visas. The status is considered the final step before citizenship for many migrants.
With more than 293,000 Nigerians living in the UK as of the 2021–2022 census — and an estimated 52,000 more arriving last year — Farage’s comments have sparked widespread unease.
“This is a wake-up call,” said Dele Olawanle, a UK-based immigration lawyer. “If immigrants do not vote, the enemies of immigrants will take over. Brexit seemed impossible once, but Farage pushed it through.”
Olawanle called the proposal harmful and warned it would hurt public services, noting that sectors such as healthcare rely heavily on migrant workers.
Some residents expressed anger over what they see as scapegoating. “Immigrants contribute significantly,” said Olayemi Adelosi, a skilled worker in Birmingham. “We already pay high ILR fees. Farage’s Brexit promises didn’t materialize, and this is more of the same.”
Others urged quick action. Vincent Ajayi, who regularly advises newcomers, said many Nigerians are rushing to apply for ILR or citizenship before a potential policy shift. “This is being used to attract anti-immigrant voters,” he said.
Despite the anxiety, some remain cautiously optimistic. “Many Britons know migrants keep the economy running,” said one Nigerian in Plymouth. “Farage’s idea might not pass.”
