Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has unveiled a sweeping proposal to overhaul the UK’s immigration system, including plans to extend the waiting period for British citizenship to a minimum of 15 years.
In her first major policy announcement as Tory leader, Badenoch outlined measures to tighten immigration rules, aiming to make British citizenship a privilege earned over time.
The proposed changes would also bar migrants who claim benefits, access social housing, or have criminal records from settling permanently in the UK.
Speaking in a video shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Badenoch emphasized the importance of redefining immigration policies to prioritize contribution and accountability.
“I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works,” she stated.
“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.”
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 allows migrants to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and they can apply for British citizenship after 12 months of holding ILR.
Badenoch’s proposal significantly extends the timeline, tripling the minimum duration from six years to 15 years before migrants can even begin a citizenship application.
