Olayiwola Matthew
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has unveiled a significant immigration reform proposal, increasing the wait time for migrants to become eligible for British citizenship to 15 years.
As part of the new measures, Badenoch announced that the period before migrants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) would extend from five to ten years. Furthermore, those seeking citizenship must wait an additional five years after securing ILR.
“I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something,” Badenoch stated in a video shared on her X account.
“If you want to stay in our country permanently, the time you have to live here before applying for ILR would increase from five to ten years.”
Some of her other proposals include:
Ineligibility for Benefits or Social Housing: Migrants who access welfare support or social housing will be barred from permanent settlement.
Criminal Record Ban: Individuals with a criminal record will be permanently ineligible for citizenship.
Entry Conditions: Those who enter the UK illegally or overstay their visa will be banned from ever obtaining leave to remain or a passport.
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Under the current system, migrants can apply for ILR after five years, with citizenship eligibility following 12 months later. Badenoch’s proposal would triple the minimum timeframe from six to 15 years.
The Conservative Party plans to backdate the changes to 2021 by amending the upcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.
Badenoch emphasized the need for tighter immigration rules, arguing that the current system has become a “conveyor belt” to citizenship, placing strain on public services. “We need to ensure that people coming here have a meaningful connection to the UK, are net contributors to the economy, and genuinely care about our communities,” she said.