- In a bold and controversial move Kemi Badenoch has proposed an extensive overhaul of the UK’s immigration system.
- She recommended requiring immigrants to wait a minimum of 15 years before becoming eligible for British citizenship amongst other stricter measures.
- Her vision has sent many Nigerians fuming and ranting on social media.
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s proposal to extend the British citizenship waiting period to 15 years has sparked widespread backlash from Nigerians, who have condemned the policy as unfair and excessive.
As part of her first major policy move as Tory leader, Badenoch aims to tighten immigration regulations by increasing the minimum period before migrants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. Additionally, immigrants would need to wait another five years after obtaining ILR before applying for citizenship—effectively tripling the current minimum timeframe from six to 15 years.
Individuals who claim benefits, seek social housing, or have criminal records, according to her, would be barred from securing permanent residency.
The proposal has drawn fierce criticism, particularly from Nigerians, who make up a significant portion of the UK’s migrant community.
Many have taken to social media to voice their frustration, arguing that the extended waiting period unfairly penalizes hardworking immigrants striving for stability.
Critics have also accused Badenoch of hypocrisy, alleging that she is shutting the same door through which she once entered, making it harder for others to attain the opportunities that benefited her. See some reactions below:
@kunleolorire_d_great wrote, “An immigrant condemning other immigrants due to privilege status.”
@Ynw_szn wrote, “Ahh ahh, this law don too much oo. Stay for 15 years before u can apply for citizenship, oga oo.”
@MESIGO422 wrote, “They ask her how she got her own citizenship and why she has decided to make it harder for the people in uk . Tomorrow if people decide to leave uk the country will be in a deep economic depression. Join us ? Let’s make it clear people will start seeing her as a wicked Nigeria woman.”
@abbello110 wrote, “Immigrant that benefited from the system kicking against the system now. Kemi kemi se jeje.”
@ayodejiawonowo said, “I actually don’t blame her…. She has to pander to the people of Britain and the fastest way to do that is taking a hard stance to immigration.”
@Deprincefrk001 mentioned, “She ain’t done yet! A woman who doesn’t want anybody have the privileges she once had, that woman is Kemi Badenoch.”
See more reactions in screenshots below:
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