The Conservative party, under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, proposes new immigration measures
Kemi Badenoch proposes a minimum of 15 years before immigrants can apply for British Citizenship.
Immigration has been a considerable part of the conversation in UK politics, especially in the last decade and more recently because of the rise in “net migration numbers” to 728,000 in the year ending June 2024.
In view of the above, Kemi Badenoch, the Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition since November 2024, in a recent video shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, addressing the issue of immigration in the United Kingdom highlighted reforms the party would implement in determining who is permitted to reside in Britain and the application processes involved.
In the video, she proposed the following changes, which she said the conservative party would implement to improve the immigration system.
10 years, not 5 years, to apply for indefinite leave to remain: The conservative party will change the current requirement of 5 years to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to 10 years.
Only net contributors can apply: Only people with a high enough salary will be allowed in, and people with criminal records will be banned.
Benefit claimants are not eligible: People who have claimed social benefits or need social housing cannot apply.
5 years, not 12 months, from ILR before you can apply for a British passport: The length of time taken to apply for a British passport from the ILR date will be increased from 12 months to 5 years meaning immigrants would be required to live in the UK for a minimum of 15 years before they are eligible to apply for a British passport.
Illegal Immigrants will not be eligible: Individuals who enter the country illegally or overstay their visa will be banned from getting an ILR or British passport.
Kemi said that these, in addition to a strict numerical cap on numbers, would constitute the most robust changes ever made to the British immigration system.
“Our country is not a dormitory; it’s our home,” said Badenoch
“The right to citizenship and permanent residency should only go to those who have demonstrated a real commitment to the UK.”
It remains to be seen how people will accept the conservative party's proposed changes and how the proposed reforms will impact the nation's outlook, especially its ability to attract and retain talent.
To see the full video, click here.
