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<p>Nigel Farage has stated that he would permit essential migration in areas experiencing skill shortages but with a capped number.</p><p>The leader of Reform UK revealed that he would disclose the cap "in four years time" after being pressed by Sky's deputy political editor <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/author/sam-coates-763" target="_blank">Sam Coates</a></strong> about his manifesto promise to freeze "non-essential" immigration.</p>
<p><strong>Latest in politics: <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-local-elections-labour-reform-starmer-farage-tories-lib-dems-greens-12593360" target="_blank">PM criticized for 'shameful' language in migration crackdown</a></strong></p><p>Mr. Farage was questioned about his plan to allow essential migration despite criticizing <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/starmer-says-net-migration-will-fall-with-controlled-selective-and-fair-system-13366455" target="_blank">the government's migration crackdown</a></strong>, given the UK's shortage of skills.</p><p>The MP for Clacton explained that he would permit individuals to fill skill gaps on "time-dependent work permits" rather than long-term visas.</p>
<p>He explained: "Let's take engineering, for example. We currently do not produce enough engineers, which is absurd.</p><p>"We have been encouraging young people to pursue social sciences degrees or other fields.</p><p>"So, if you are an engineering company in need of skilled workers, they could come in on a time-dependent work permit, as long as health requirements and levies are met, and if they leave at the end of the permit duration, or are forced to leave, then it works."</p><p><strong>Read more:<br/><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/what-are-sir-keir-starmers-new-immigration-rules-13366468" target="_blank">What are Starmer's new immigration rules?</a><br/><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/the-choice-facing-labour-in-face-of-real-reform-uk-threat-and-it-could-define-starmers-government-13362945" target="_blank">The choice facing Labour in face of Reform threat - analysis</a></strong></p>
<p>Reform's manifesto, also referred to as a "contract," states that "essential skills, mainly in healthcare, should be the only exceptions" to migration.</p><p>When asked about the breadth of his exemption, Mr. Farage expressed hope that enough nurses and doctors will be trained "without the need for overseas recruitment within a few years."</p><p>He emphasized that work permits should be distinct from immigration, adding: "If you work for an American TV station and stay just 48 hours beyond your work permit, they will come knocking down your door, handcuff you, and deport you.</p><p>"We have allowed all these avenues, whether for work or study, to become pathways for long-term migration."</p>
<p>When questioned about capping his exemption for essential skills, he responded: "We will. I cannot provide the exact figures at the moment as I do not have all the data. What I can affirm is that anyone entering will not be allowed to stay long-term. That is the difference."</p><p>Pressed on whether this was a commitment to a cap under a Reform UK government, he suggested that he would detail more information before the next election, telling Coates: "Ask me in four years’ time, all right?"</p><p>Mr. Farage's statements came after the government released an immigration white paper that includes plans to<strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/crushing-blow-for-care-homes-as-they-face-ban-on-overseas-recruitment-13365661" target="_blank">ban overseas care workers</a></strong> as part of efforts to reduce net migration.</p><p>The former leader of the Brexit Party criticized the proposals as a "knee-jerk reaction" to his party's success in the local elections and accused the prime minister of lacking the determination to implement these measures.</p><p>However, he expressed support for the "principle" of prohibiting foreign care workers and conceded that he might back some measures if they were presented for a parliamentary vote.</p><p>He stated: "There could be amendments to support this if they actually hold the government accountable. But I am not entirely convinced."</p>
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