British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a major proposal to overhaul the UK’s immigration and citizenship system, calling for a significant extension of the residency requirement for British citizenship from six to fifteen years.
In one of her first major policy statements since taking office, Badenoch also proposed stricter conditions for obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), suggesting that applicants with criminal records or those who have received social benefits should be barred from eligibility.
Reflecting on past immigration policies, Badenoch admitted that the Conservative Party had “got it wrong” during its time in government, pointing to record-high net migration figures of 906,000. She argued that current immigration rules create a “conveyor belt” to citizenship, making it too easy for migrants to acquire British nationality, which she says places undue strain on public services.
“Citizenship should be seen as a privilege, not an automatic right,” Badenoch told the BBC, adding that it should be reserved for those with a “meaningful connection to the UK.”
The Conservative Party’s proposal includes doubling the period before individuals can apply for ILR from five to ten years. Those granted ILR would then need to wait an additional five years before becoming eligible for British citizenship.
Additionally, the party is pushing for these changes to be applied retroactively from 2021 by amending the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which is set for parliamentary debate next week.
Currently, ILR allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions, with most applicants eligible after five years. Those on specific visa routes can apply after two or three years. Under existing rules, citizenship can be sought 12 months after obtaining ILR.
Badenoch emphasized that only migrants who are “net contributors” to the UK economy should qualify for citizenship, insisting that those who rely on public benefits should be excluded.
While Badenoch has not set a specific cap on migration, she maintained that the Conservative Party must “rebuild trust with the public” on immigration issues. She acknowledged the growing frustration among voters, noting that many had turned to “the protest party” as a response to government policies.
Some political analysts view her announcement as a direct reaction to Reform UK’s rising popularity, which has unsettled many Conservative MPs. With the government set to introduce an immigration bill next week, Badenoch argued that it was the right time for the Conservatives to outline their alternative vision.
As immigration remains a contentious issue in British politics, Badenoch’s proposals signal a sharp shift toward more restrictive policies, likely to spark further debate in the coming weeks.
