Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has unveiled a tough new immigration policy that will bar migrants who claim benefits from becoming UK citizens.
Under her first major policy announcement as Tory leader, applicants seeking settlement in the UK must prove they have never claimed benefits or used social housing.
They will also need to demonstrate that their income is high enough to ensure they are “net contributors” to the economy rather than a financial burden, according to Mail Online.
Additionally, individuals with criminal convictions will automatically be disqualified from applying for citizenship. Those who arrive on work visas but later drop out of employment will have their visas revoked and face deportation.
Badenoch also plans to tighten rules for illegal migrants, proposing a permanent ban on settlement for those who enter the UK unlawfully or overstay their visas. The waiting period for British citizenship will also be extended from one year to five.
Acknowledging past policy failures, Badenoch emphasized her commitment to stricter immigration controls.
“Our country is not a dormitory, it’s our home. The right to citizenship and permanent residency should only go to those who have demonstrated a real commitment to the UK,” she stated.
She criticized Labour’s stance on immigration, claiming their policies would make it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in the country.
“No one can trust Labour on immigration,” she said.
Sources within the Conservative Party revealed that Badenoch is also considering withdrawing from both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the UN Refugee Convention, which some party members blame for obstructing efforts to curb illegal migration.
The Conservatives have already pledged to introduce a binding annual cap on work visas, aiming to bring net migration significantly below the current projection of 350,000 per year.
Badenoch’s decision to focus on immigration in her first major policy move signals the Tory party’s determination to counter the rising influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which has gained traction among voters concerned about immigration policies.
Since assuming leadership in November, Badenoch has repeatedly stated that the previous Conservative government failed by allowing record numbers of migrants to enter the country.