Emmanuel OchayiBritain’s Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has sparked outrage among Nigerians and other immigrant communities after proposing a major change to the UK residency requirement for citizenship. She suggested increasing the period from six to fifteen years, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.
Badenoch, in one of her first major policy announcements since taking office, also argued that individuals with criminal records or those who have claimed benefits or social housing should be denied indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a crucial step toward obtaining British citizenship.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking to the BBC, Badenoch defended her stance, saying, “We need to make sure that people coming here have a real, meaningful connection to the UK, so no criminal records, they should be net contributors to the economy, not relying on benefits but people who care about our country and our communities.”
Backlash from Nigerians and Other Immigrants
Her proposal has triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, many of whom feel betrayed by a leader of African descent. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism, with many accusing Badenoch of shutting the door on immigrants after benefiting from the system herself.
A user on X (formerly Twitter), @otakerioghenero, wrote “Dear Kemi, shutting the same door you passed through, removing the ladder you climbed. Something is indeed wrong with some blacks. African leaders, build your country! Stop running up and down. Stay and build a better life for your citizens.”
Another user, @Treazyblaq, posted a scathing critique of Badenoch’s motives “Not to be that person, but what did you expect? She has to prove herself to her masters, to show she’s worthy of the task given to her. So, of course, she’ll pander, suck up, and do whatever it takes to be accepted as a ‘real Brit.’ But no matter how much she bends over backward, they’ll never truly accept her.”
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Understanding the UK Residency Requirement Change
Under the current UK immigration rules, individuals can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. Once granted, they can apply for British citizenship after an additional 12 months, making the total process about six years.
Badenoch’s proposal seeks to double the ILR waiting period from five to ten years and then impose an additional five-year wait before one can apply for citizenship. This would make the total residency requirement 15 years.
The Conservative Party is also advocating for these changes to be applied retroactively from 2021 by amending the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which is set for debate in Parliament next week.
Political Motives Behind the Proposal
Badenoch admitted last year that the Conservative Party had “got it wrong” on immigration policies, as net migration soared to a record 906,000 during their time in government. She has since criticised the current system, claiming it creates a “conveyor belt” to citizenship, putting pressure on public services.
Some political analysts believe that her announcement is a response to the rising popularity of Reform UK, a right-wing political party that has been gaining ground among conservative voters.
A political observer noted, “This shifting political landscape is one of the key reasons Badenoch has taken such a firm stance on immigration—an issue of increasing concern among Conservative supporters.”
Voices from Social Media
Several Nigerians took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Badenoch’s proposal.
@djokaymegamixer wrote “Kemi Badenoch is saying what she thinks the British want to hear. Will that work for her? Time will tell.”
@Jidekuje questioned the morality of her stance “Beneficiaries of benevolence are always the most vocal people to kick against people benefiting from such benevolence. Why is that so?”
@Arsenal_rep1 advised caution “Kemi, you might have to calm down. Others before you didn’t make it tedious for you to stay in the UK. Maybe you might not even win then.”
Impact on Nigerians Seeking UK Residency
For many Nigerians hoping to secure British citizenship, the proposed extension of the UK residency requirement could present a significant obstacle. The UK remains a popular destination for Nigerian professionals, students, and skilled workers, many of whom contribute to the economy through various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
If implemented, the proposal could force immigrants to endure a much longer period of uncertainty before achieving full citizenship rights. This could impact their career prospects, access to social benefits, and ability to bring family members to the UK.
A Nigerian professional who recently obtained ILR expressed frustration “I have lived here for years, paid taxes, contributed to society, and now they want to move the goalpost? It’s unfair!”
Badenoch’s proposal to extend the UK residency requirement has sparked heated debate and criticism, particularly among Nigerians and other immigrant communities. Many see her stance as a betrayal of her own immigrant background and a political move to appease conservative voters.
As the UK Parliament prepares to debate the new immigration bill, the fate of thousands of immigrants hangs in the balance. Whether this proposal becomes law remains to be seen, but for now, the controversy surrounding it continues to grow.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
