UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s recent proposal to extend the waiting period for British citizenship to 15 years has triggered significant backlash, particularly from Nigerians, who view the policy as unjust and overly harsh.
In her first major move as the Tory leader, Badenoch has put forth a plan to toughen immigration laws by raising the minimum period for migrants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. Under her new rules, individuals who rely on benefits, seek social housing, or have criminal records would be barred from securing permanent residency.
The proposed changes have sparked outrage among Nigerians, a key demographic within the UK’s migrant population. Many have expressed their frustration on social media, accusing the policy of unfairly penalizing hardworking immigrants who are simply trying to build stable lives in the UK.
Critics have also pointed out what they see as hypocrisy, accusing Badenoch of shutting the door to opportunities she once benefited from as an immigrant herself. Social media users have voiced their displeasure, with one user, @Ynw_szn, calling the proposal “too much” and another, @MESIGO422, questioning how Badenoch got her own citizenship and why she is now making it more difficult for others to follow suit.
Others like @abbello110 criticized the leader for “kicking against the system” after benefiting from it, while @ayodejiawonowo suggested that Badenoch’s actions were likely a response to her need to appeal to British voters, even at the cost of immigrant communities.
The debate continues as Nigerians and other immigrant groups voice concerns over the potential economic and social consequences of Badenoch’s proposed reforms.