Nigel Farage of Reform UK has presented a series of measures to tackle irregular migration. Among other things, the party promises to introduce punitive tariffs on countries that refuse to accept deported migrants. In addition, Labour’s resumption of the reception of Afghan and Palestinian migrants is to be halted and reversed.
Reform intends to use economic and diplomatic pressure to force countries to accept their own citizens. The party has previously announced visa freezes for countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia – countries with high numbers of visa and asylum applicants to the UK.
– The UK is under no obligation to accept more migrants
For countries where visa restrictions have limited effect but which have trade links with the UK, the party will proceed with the imposition of tariffs. Egypt has been cited as a possible example. In addition, according to Farage, a ban is being considered on airlines from countries that refuse to cooperate using British airspace, as well as a transit ban for citizens from such countries:
– I will not tolerate countries that refuse to take back illegal migrants. I will impose tariffs, flight bans and visa bans on any country that refuses.
The party promises to scrap Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s reinstated ‘UK Resettlement Scheme’, which was intended to take in ‘the most vulnerable’ – including Afghan women and girls, as well as Palestinians with critical medical needs. Reform intends to deport those who have already arrived under the scheme.
Farage believes that the UK “is under no obligation to accept more migrants” and that the scheme allows for family reunification, which could increase the number of young men. According to the party, Afghans who have worked for British forces and can provide evidence of this should be protected, whilst others may, in certain cases, be sent to safe third countries.
Today, I announced that there will be NO ASYLUM SYSTEM under a Reform government. It will be suspended.
Since 2000, we have granted asylum to legions of people. Whilst some fled persecution, many have scammed Britain.
They came illegally – by lorry or boat, or by overstaying…
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) 12 October 2026
Reform UK’s broader plan is to suspend the asylum system for an entire parliamentary term, which would normally be five years. All new asylum applications are to be rejected, around 90,000 existing applications are to be cancelled and the applicants deported. The party has also announced a review of refugee status granted over the last five years and the possible revocation of such status if the country of origin is deemed safe.
Reform is aiming for mass deportations of up to one million people over the course of a term of government. This includes undocumented migrants, those arriving by small boat, and people who have overstayed their visas.
Nigel Farage said “if we politically alienate Islam we will lose”
NO NIGEL.
If you DON’T politically alienate Islam WE WILL LOSE
I hope you’ve learnt that lesson tonight, but somehow I doubt it. pic.twitter.com/aF9rELONIZ
— Basil the Great (@BasilTheGreat) 27 February 2026
Labour is, to put it mildly, critical of the plans. The party describes the proposals as desperate and unrealistic. It also points to potential legal obstacles, including WTO rules on customs duties.
In doing so, Reform UK is positioning itself ahead of the next election as the party with the strictest border and deportation measures in British politics.
