Kemi Badenoch tells Labour no immigrant should stay in UK forever

She urged the Labour government to maintain its proposed 10-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. Badenoch made these remarks in a post on her X handle, which included a letter addressed to the UK's Home Secretary. She criticized calls from some Labour lawmakers to soften planned immigration reforms, asserting that individuals not making a significant economic contribution over a decade should return to their home countries after their temporary visas expire.

Badenoch and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp jointly signed the letter, expressing concern over reports that the Labour government might exempt approximately two million migrants who entered the UK on work visas between 2021 and the present from the extended qualifying period. Badenoch described such a move as a "grave mistake," arguing that granting indefinite leave to remain after only five years would strain the UK's welfare system and that many low-paid, low-skilled immigrant jobs could be filled by economically inactive British citizens. She also offered the Conservative Party's support if Labour proceeds with its original proposals without amendments, stating that the government's decision would demonstrate its commitment to controlling borders.