Kemi Badenoch’s Proposal on UK Citizenship Eligibility

New Immigration Rules: A 15-Year Path to Citizenship

On February 6, 2025, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch announced proposed changes to the UK’s immigration policies aimed at tightening the path to citizenship. The key proposals include:

• Extended Residency Requirement: Increasing the period immigrants must reside in the UK before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 to 10 years.
• Delayed Citizenship Eligibility: After obtaining ILR, immigrants would need to wait an additional 5 years before being eligible to apply for British citizenship, effectively extending the total minimum residency period to 15 years.
• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate they are net contributors to the UK economy, possess a sufficient salary, and have no criminal record. Those who have claimed social benefits or utilized public housing would be barred from obtaining permanent residency.
• Illegal Entry and Overstaying: Individuals entering the UK illegally or overstaying their visas would be prohibited from ever obtaining leave to remain or British citizenship.

These proposals are part of a broader strategy to reduce immigration numbers and address public concerns about integration and resource allocation. The Conservative Party plans to introduce these changes through amendments to the upcoming Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, with discussions in Parliament expected next week.

Badenoch emphasized the need for a more stringent immigration system, stating, “Britain is our home, it’s not a hotel. It’s time to tell the truth on immigration and propose real plans.”