UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced plans to tighten immigration rules, making it more difficult for immigrants to obtain British citizenship, according to DAILY POST reports.
Under her proposal, the minimum residency period required before applying for citizenship would increase from the current standard to 15 years. This marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy.
In one of her first major policy statements as leader, Badenoch also proposed that indefinite leave to remain (ILR) should be denied to individuals with criminal records or those who have received benefits or social housing. She stressed that British citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and should be granted only to those with a strong connection to the country.
Currently, ILR enables individuals to live, work, and study in the UK after typically residing there for five years. Badenoch’s proposed changes signal a stricter approach to immigration, reflecting her party’s commitment to tightening border and residency policies.
