In her first major announcement as Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch proposed a policy shift that would require immigrants to wait at least 15 years before becoming eligible for British citizenship.
The plan aims to tighten the immigration system by extending the period before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years.
She also disclosed that those who claim benefits, access social housing, or have criminal records would be barred from settling in the UK permanently.
“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.
“We would increase the time you can apply for a British passport from 12 months to 5 years, meaning it will take a minimum of 15 years to start an application. If you enter this country illegally or overstay your visa, you will be banned from ever getting leave to remain or a passport,” she said in a video shared on her X, formerly known as Twitter, handle.
