Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has proposed significant changes to the UK’s immigration system. The most notable change is the extension of the waiting period for migrants to apply for British citizenship from the current six years to a minimum of 15 years.
This means that migrants would need to live in the UK for at least 10 years before applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), and then wait an additional five years before applying for citizenship.
Badenoch’s proposal also includes stricter requirements for migrants, such as being a “net contributor” with a high enough salary, especially if they want to bring family members with them. Additionally, migrants who claim benefits, access social housing, or have criminal records would be barred from settling permanently in the UK. The goal of these changes, according to Badenoch, is to improve people’s connections with the country and make British citizenship a privilege earned over time.
The proposed changes have been met with interest, with many seeing them as a significant shift in the Conservative Party’s immigration policy. Badenoch’s emphasis on making citizenship a privilege earned over time reflects her goal of reducing immigration and promoting a sense of commitment to the UK. As the leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch’s proposals are likely to shape the party’s immigration policy going forward.
