Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has faced significant backlash following her proposal to extend the waiting period for British citizenship to 15 years. Nigerians, a major part of the UK’s immigrant population, have strongly condemned the policy as harsh and unfair.
As part of her first major initiative as Tory leader, Badenoch aims to tighten immigration rules, increasing the minimum time immigrants must wait to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years.
Badenoch’s proposal also includes a provision that would prevent immigrants who claim benefits, seek social housing, or have criminal records from gaining permanent residency.
This has sparked outrage, especially among Nigerians, who feel the policy unfairly punishes hard-working immigrants who are striving for stability.
Critics argue that Badenoch, who herself once benefited from the immigration system, is now closing the very door that allowed her to succeed. Many have taken to social media to voice their frustration.
@Ynw_szn reacted, “Ahh ahh, this law don too much oo. Stay for 15 years before you can apply for citizenship, oga oo.”
@MESIGO422 posted, “They should ask her how she got her own citizenship and why she wants to make it harder for people in the UK. If people start leaving, the economy will suffer. Let’s make it clear, people will start seeing her as a wicked Nigerian woman.”
@abbello110 commented, “An immigrant who benefited from the system is now attacking it. Kemi, Kemi, take it easy.”