Kemi Badenoch, the UK Home Secretary, has proposed a controversial 15-year wait period before immigrants can apply for UK citizenship. This proposal comes as part of her first major policy announcement since becoming the leader of the Conservative Party.
The initiative aims to overhaul the UK’s immigration system and reduce the influx of migrants seeking permanent settlement. Under this new plan, the eligibility for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would be extended from five years to ten years. Additionally, those seeking to become permanent residents would need to demonstrate that they have been contributing to the economy, particularly through employment, and have a sufficiently high income. Furthermore, individuals with a criminal record or those claiming welfare benefits would be barred from settling in the UK permanently.
Badenoch explained her rationale for the reform, emphasizing the need to make living in the UK "meaning something." She stated: “I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works. So I am announcing that the Conservative Party is going to do the following things differently: 1. If you want to stay in our country permanently and apply for indefinite leave to remain, the time you have to live here before you apply would increase from 5 years to 10 years. 2. You will have to be a net contributor with a high enough salary, especially if you want to bring family members with you. And if you have a criminal record, you are banned.”
She further clarified that the process for applying for a British passport would also undergo changes. The wait time for eligibility would be raised from 12 months to 5 years, meaning that individuals will have to wait at least 15 years before starting an application for citizenship. Those who enter the UK illegally or overstay their visa would face an even stricter penalty—being permanently barred from obtaining ILR or a UK passport. Badenoch’s proposal is expected to stir a heated debate, particularly regarding its impact on immigrants and the broader immigration policy in the UK.