Reform UK has said that, if elected, it would introduce a suspension of visa issuance for certain countries that refuse to accept the return of their nationals who have no legal right to remain in the United Kingdom. The countries referenced in reporting include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia.
What Is Being Proposed?
Reform UK’s “Shadow Home Secretary”, Zia Yusuf, set out proposals in a speech delivered in Dover this week, alongside party leader Nigel Farage, outlining what the party described as a comprehensive reset of UK immigration and internal security policy. Among the measures referenced was a proposed suspension of visa issuance for certain countries that refuse to accept the return of their nationals who have no legal right to remain in the United Kingdom.
The proposal links visa access to deportation cooperation. The concept is that where a government does not cooperate with the return of its nationals, visa issuance to that country would be suspended.
The detail has not been set out in legislative terms. It is not clear whether such a suspension would be limited to particular routes, such as visit visas, or whether it would extend more widely. It is also not clear how long such a measure would last or what exemptions might apply.
At this stage, the announcement is political positioning rather than drafted immigration policy.
It is important to state this is a policy proposal from an opposition party. It is not a change to the Immigration Rules, and it does not reflect current Home Office policy.
There is no suspension of visa issuance currently in force. UK Visas and Immigration continues to process applications for work, study, visit and family routes under the existing legal framework.
Would This Affect Existing Visas?
A suspension of visa issuance concerns new entry clearance decisions. It does not automatically invalidate visas already granted, cancel settlement or affect individuals lawfully resident in the UK.
Any change affecting existing status would require separate legal authority and formal amendment to the rules.
Impact on Applicants
The UK immigration system operates through defined routes and published criteria. Sponsored work visas require an approved sponsor. Student visas require confirmation of acceptance for studies. Family routes are governed by financial and relationship requirements.
None of these structures has been amended.
For individuals planning applications, the appropriate course is to rely on published law and official Home Office guidance. Immigration policy changes take effect through formal rule amendments, not political speeches.
Preparation should continue on the basis of the current framework. Monitoring official updates is sensible. There is no need to alter plans based on unimplemented proposals.
Reform UK Immigration Proposals
The speech in Dover formed part of a wider set of immigration and security proposals. Reform UK stated that it aims to deliver “net negative” migration, meaning annual departures would exceed arrivals. The party also outlined plans to:
- Leave the European Convention on Human Rights
- Repeal the Human Rights Act and introduce a British Bill of Rights
- Create a dedicated UK Deportation Command with expanded detention capacity
- Replace indefinite leave to remain with renewable five-year work visas
- Introduce stricter spouse visa thresholds and English language requirements
The proposed suspension of visa issuance sits within that broader enforcement-focused framework rather than as a standalone measure.
Next Steps
For the proposal to move beyond political positioning, several formal steps would be required.
First, Reform UK would need to secure electoral success and form a government. Immigration policy changes of this scale cannot be implemented from opposition.
Second, suspension of visa issuance would require formal amendment to the Immigration Rules under the Immigration Act 1971. That would involve a Statement of Changes laid before Parliament, followed by updated Home Office guidance and operational instruction to overseas visa posts.
Third, the government would need to define scope and mechanics. This would include:
- Which visa routes are affected
- Whether exemptions apply
- How pending applications are handled
- Whether transitional provisions are introduced
If the proposal were linked to wider reforms such as leaving the European Convention on Human Rights or repealing the Human Rights Act, primary legislation would also be required. That process would involve parliamentary debate, committee scrutiny and potential amendment.
Operational delivery would follow legislative change. UK Visas and Immigration would issue revised caseworking guidance and update systems accordingly.
Until those steps occur, there is no immediate procedural change for overseas applicants. The next formal indicator of movement would be a published Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules or primary legislation introduced to Parliament.
In short, implementation requires electoral mandate, legislative drafting and administrative rollout. None of those steps has yet taken place.
