LONDON:- Migrants are applying for British citizenship in high numbers to avoid future restrictions as the UK’s Labour government prepares to tighten up permanent residency rights. According to the latest figures, more than 312,000 refugees, migrant workers and their dependants applied for citizenship in the year to March this year.

This is the highest number ever and double the number eight years ago. In addition, more than 331,000 people have applied for indefinite leave to remain, a step towards citizenship, in the last two years, up 28 percent from the previous two years.

According to experts, there has been a rush among immigrants to secure citizenship as soon as possible after all major political parties in Britain proposed plans to increase the time it takes to obtain citizenship and make its rules more stringent.

Under current rules, to apply for citizenship, an immigrant must have lived in the UK for five years and not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during that period. In addition, applicants must be over 18 years of age, have passed the ‘Life in the UK’ test, and be of good character. But under a new plan proposed by Home Minister Shabana Mahmood, the five-year period for obtaining ILR for migrants who do not have high incomes or work in the public service will be increased to 10 years. The rule is also set to apply to migrants currently in the UK.

The proposed crackdown has sparked a huge row within the Labour Party. Around 100 Labour MPs, including former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, have opposed the decision, calling it a “betrayal” and “un-British” move. On the other hand, parties such as the main opposition Conservatives and Reform UK are demanding even tougher immigration rules.

According to the data, the largest number of applicants for citizenship are Indian citizens (10 percent), followed by Pakistani, Nigerian and Italian citizens. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the increase in citizenship applications is a result of the migration trend of recent years and that the government is working to bring about historic reforms to the immigration system.