Almost two thirds of people in Wales oppose plans to strip Indefinite Leave to Remain, new poll shows
The poll, conducted nationally with regional breakdowns, found that while the public is divided on whether to stop granting ILR in future, there is strong resistance to taking it away from those who already hold it.
Welsh opposition stronger than UK average
Across Britain, 58% of people said they opposed removing ILR from current holders. In Wales, opposition was even higher, with close to two thirds rejecting the idea. Campaigners say the figures reflect Wales’ reliance on international workers in key sectors such as the NHS, care homes and universities.
Older voters more supportive — despite risks
The survey also revealed that support for Reform’s plans is strongest among over‑50s, even though this age group could face some of the most serious consequences if international staff were discouraged from staying. Hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes across south west Wales rely heavily on migrant workers, and critics warn that scrapping ILR could make it harder to retain the staff needed to care for an ageing population.
Swansea Bay’s reliance on overseas staff
The issue is particularly relevant in Swansea Bay, where the health board has recently completed a major international recruitment drive. Since the programme began, 569 internationally educated nurses have joined local hospitals, filling long‑standing vacancies in areas such as adult acute wards, paediatrics, theatres, cancer services, intensive care, maternity and mental health.
Health chiefs say the influx of permanent staff has eased pressure on existing teams and reduced the need for costly agency cover. A dedicated training hub in Baglan was also established to prepare recruits for UK registration exams, and has since been used to support staff development across Wales.
Lynne Jones, Head of Nursing Education and Recruitment, said the campaign had been vital in addressing shortages: “We have ethically recruited from countries which have surplus nurses, and we are now benefiting from their experience and skills.”
Immigration in Wales by local authority
Latest census data shows the percentage of residents born outside the UK. Despite Reform’s focus on immigration, levels in much of south west Wales remain among the lowest in the country.
Local authority% born outside UK
Swansea9.4%Carmarthenshire5.1%Neath Port Talbot3.6%Bridgend4.3%Pembrokeshire4.8%By comparison, Cardiff has the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in Wales at 16.5%, while Caerphilly has the lowest at just 2.9%. In Carmarthenshire, where Reform has polled strongly, only around one in twenty residents were born outside the UK.
Party divides
The YouGov poll also highlighted sharp political differences. Reform UK voters were the most likely to back scrapping ILR altogether, with majorities also supporting its removal from current holders. Conservative voters were split, with around half supporting an end to new ILR grants but divided on removing it from those already here. Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green voters were overwhelmingly opposed to removing ILR from existing residents.
Exceptions the public would allow
Even among those who support scrapping ILR, the public favours exceptions for groups such as NHS workers, people married to British citizens, long‑term residents of more than 10 years, and those in full‑time work and paying taxes. Opinion was more divided on Ukrainian refugees, while disabled people unable to work and retired residents were among the groups least likely to be supported for permanent status.
Local impact
The Welsh Government has consistently taken a more welcoming stance on migration than Westminster, stressing the contribution of migrants to public services and the economy. Local councils, including Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, have also played a key role in resettling refugees.
Critics of Reform’s proposals say the YouGov findings show that most people in Wales do not want to see families uprooted or vital staff driven away. Supporters argue that requiring migrants to reapply for visas would give the UK greater control over long‑term immigration.
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