Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom Conservative party, has announced plans to tighten restrictions on immigrants seeking British citizenship.

Under her new policy, immigrants will only be eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the UK for 15 years.

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

She emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not just a right, and should be reserved for those who have a strong connection to the UK.

Indefinite leave to remain allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK. Typically, one can apply for ILR after working in the UK for at least five years, although this time frame may be shorter for certain visa holders.