Kemi Badenoch Vows to Tighten Rules for Immigrants Seeking British Citizenship

UK Minister Kemi Badenoch has pledged to make the process of obtaining British citizenship more difficult for immigrants, emphasizing stricter immigration policies.

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has pledged to increase the difficulty for immigrants seeking British citizenship.

In one of her initial policy announcements as leader, Badenoch stated that immigrants would need to reside in the UK for 15 years before they could apply for citizenship.

Badenoch also stated that individuals with criminal records or who have received benefits or social housing should not be granted indefinite leave to remain, a status that leads towards citizenship.

She believed that citizenship was a privilege rather than just a right and should be reserved for individuals who have a “meaningful connection to the UK.”

Securing indefinite leave to remain (ILR) grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK.

Generally, a person can apply for ILR after working in the UK for at least five years. However, if they entered on specific visas, eligibility may be possible after just two or three years.