The UK Conservative Party has unveiled plans to restrict access to new social housing for certain foreign nationals in England if it returns to power at the next general election, a move that could affect thousands of immigrants, including Nigerians living in the country.

Under the proposed policy, some foreign nationals would be barred from obtaining new social housing tenancies, while certain existing tenants could be required to leave their homes within six months.

The Conservatives said the policy could make an estimated 228,144 homes available to British families, arguing that it would help ease pressure on England’s social housing system, which is facing persistent shortages and lengthy waiting lists.

The party, led by Kemi Badenoch, accused the Labour government of failing to control immigration and claimed British families were being disadvantaged when seeking affordable housing.

Labour, however, dismissed the proposal as an “unserious, unworkable proposal”, arguing that it would do little to address the country’s housing crisis.

The announcement comes amid an increasingly heated political debate over immigration and access to public services in the UK. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also previously called for tougher restrictions on foreign nationals’ access to social housing.

If implemented, the Conservative proposal would require some foreign nationals already living in social housing to vacate their accommodation within six months.

The policy would apply to single individuals who are not UK or Irish citizens or eligible EU citizens, including those with children. Couples could also lose eligibility where neither partner is a qualifying citizen or has settled status.

UK and Irish citizens, as well as EU citizens with settled status, would remain eligible for future social housing under the proposal. People who already hold EU settled status would also be exempt from the changes.

Under the current system, some foreign nationals with settled status, refugee status or certain forms of humanitarian protection are eligible to apply for social housing.

Social housing in England is provided mainly by local councils and housing associations, offering lower-cost and more secure accommodation than most private rental properties.

The Conservatives previously considered similar measures while in government, including a proposal that would have required foreign nationals to live in the UK for at least 10 years before becoming eligible for social housing.