The leader of the British Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has announced a proposal to extend the waiting period for migrants applying for British citizenship to 15 years.
In a recent video, Badenoch outlined her plans to implement stricter immigration measures. She revealed that the waiting period to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) would be increased from five to ten years.
Additionally, migrants would have to wait another five years before applying for British citizenship, making it a total of 15 years.
“I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works,” Badenoch said.
She further stated, “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. 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.”
Badenoch also announced that individuals who claim benefits, rely on social housing, or have criminal records would be permanently barred from settling in the UK.
“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 added.
These proposed changes have sparked debates, with many expressing concerns about their potential impact on immigrants and their families.
