The proposal by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, to prolong the duration for obtaining British citizenship to 15 years has ignited significant outrage among Nigerians, who have labeled the initiative as unjust and overly harsh.
In her inaugural major policy initiative as the Tory leader, Badenoch intends to reinforce immigration laws by extending the minimum timeframe for migrants to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years.
She asserts that those who claim benefits, seek social housing, or have criminal histories would be disqualified from obtaining permanent residency.
The proposal has faced vehement disapproval, particularly from Nigerians, who constitute a notable segment of the UK’s immigrant population.
Many individuals have turned to social media to express their discontent, contending that the prolonged waiting time unfairly punishes diligent immigrants striving for security.
Opponents have also accused Badenoch of duplicity, claiming she is closing the very door she once walked through, thereby making it more difficult for others to achieve the prospects that once aided her.