In a bold and controversial move, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the UK’s immigration system, requiring immigrants to wait a minimum of 15 years before becoming eligible for British citizenship.
The plan, part of her first major policy announcement as Tory leader, has sparked intense debate, with critics slamming it as overly punitive and out of touch with the realities of modern migration.
Under the proposed changes, the period before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would be extended from five to ten years. Additionally, immigrants would need to wait another five years after obtaining ILR before applying for citizenship—effectively tripling the current minimum timeframe from six to 15 years.
Badenoch also announced that migrants who claim benefits, access social housing, or have criminal records would be barred from settling in the UK permanently.
In a video shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Badenoch outlined her vision for a stricter immigration system. “I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works,” she said.
“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 five years to ten 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.”
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She added, “We would increase the time you can apply for a British passport from 12 months to five 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.”
Currently, most migrants can apply for ILR after five years of working in the UK, with some visa holders qualifying in as little as two or three years. ILR grants the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and after 12 months, holders can apply for British citizenship. Badenoch’s proposal would significantly extend this process, raising concerns about its impact on migrants’ lives and the UK’s reputation as a welcoming destination for skilled workers.
The Conservative Party is pushing to backdate these changes to 2021 by amending the upcoming Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which is set for parliamentary debate next week. Badenoch argued that the current system has created a “conveyor belt” to citizenship, allowing too many people to settle in the UK too quickly and placing undue strain on public services.
“We need to make sure that people coming here have a real, meaningful connection to the UK—no criminal records, they should be net contributors to the economy, not relying on benefits but people who care about our country and our communities,” Badenoch told the BBC. However, she declined to specify how much the policy would reduce migration numbers, leaving critics to question its effectiveness.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from immigration advocates and opposition leaders, who argue that it unfairly targets vulnerable groups and undermines the UK’s global standing. “This policy is not about fairness or integration; it’s about creating barriers and excluding people,” said one immigration rights activist. “A 15-year wait for citizenship is excessive and ignores the contributions migrants make to our economy and society from day one.”
Others have pointed out that the plan could deter skilled workers from choosing the UK as a destination, particularly at a time when the country faces labor shortages in key sectors. “This sends a message that the UK is closed for business,” said a business leader. “We need to attract talent, not push it away with draconian rules.”
Badenoch’s proposal also raises questions about its feasibility and potential legal challenges. Critics argue that retroactively applying the changes to 2021 could violate the rights of migrants who entered the UK under the existing rules. “This is a recipe for chaos and confusion,” said a legal expert. “It’s one thing to change the rules going forward, but applying them retroactively could lead to a flood of legal challenges.”
As the debate over Badenoch’s plan heats up, it remains to be seen whether the policy will gain traction in Parliament or face significant pushback. What is clear, however, is that the proposal marks a dramatic shift in the UK’s approach to immigration—one that could have far-reaching consequences for migrants, businesses, and the country’s social fabric.
Source: Ripples Nigeria
