The United Kingdom Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has vowed to make it more difficult for immigrants to obtain British citizenship.
In one of her first policy announcements since becoming leader, Badenoch stated that immigrants would only be eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the UK for 15 years.
She also declared that indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a key step toward citizenship, should not be granted to those with criminal records or those who have claimed benefits or social housing.
According to Badenoch, citizenship should be reserved for those with a “meaningful connection to the UK.”
Currently, ILR grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK. Most applicants can apply after five years, though some visa holders may qualify in two or three years.