Kemi Badenoch Plans Stricter Rules for Immigrants Seeking British Citizenship
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced plans to make it more difficult for immigrants to acquire British citizenship, proposing stricter eligibility requirements.
In one of her first major policy declarations since taking leadership, Badenoch stated that under her proposed changes, immigrants would need to reside in the UK for 15 years before being eligible to apply for citizenship—significantly longer than the current requirement.
She also emphasized that indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which grants long-term residency and a pathway to citizenship, should not be available to individuals with criminal records or those who have claimed benefits or social housing.
“Citizenship is a privilege, not just a right. It should be granted only to those with a meaningful connection to the UK,” Badenoch said.
ILR provides non-citizens the right to live, work, and study in the UK without immigration restrictions. Currently, applicants can typically qualify after five years of residency, with some visa holders eligible in as little as two or three years.
Badenoch’s proposed reforms come amid ongoing debates on immigration policies in the UK, with growing pressure on the government to tighten regulations.
