UK to deny 'dangerous journey' refugees citizenship

The UK government has tightened relevant regulations, almost completely prohibiting refugees arriving in the UK by small boat from obtaining British citizenship. The new guidelines explicitly state that anyone who enters the UK illegally will generally be refused citizenship, regardless of how long ago the illegal entry occurred. This policy aims to deter irregular migration and uphold the integrity of the UK's immigration system.

The Home Office stated in a statement that the strengthened measures make it clear that anyone entering the UK illegally – including those arriving by small boat – will face the risk of having their British citizenship application rejected. The change took effect on Monday and has been added to the guidance documents for visa and immigration staff. This update ensures consistent application of the rules across all cases.

The change is described as a "clarification" of the guidance for caseworkers assessing whether an applicant is of "good character." It states: "Any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of how long ago the illegal entry occurred." Another addition states: "Any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who arrived without valid entry clearance or an Electronic Travel Authorisation and undertook a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship. Dangerous journeys include, but are not limited to, arrival by small boat or being concealed in a vehicle or other means of transport." These amendments aim to create a stricter and more consistent approach to citizenship applications.

The Refugee Council and several Labour MPs, including Stella Creasy, have condemned the change. Creasy stated that the change "means refugees will forever be second-class citizens." Previously, refugees arriving via irregular routes needed to wait ten years before being considered. The Refugee Council estimates that the new guidelines will prevent at least 71,000 refugees from obtaining British citizenship. The charity's chief executive, Enver Solomon, said the government's move was "utterly illogical."

Solomon added: "The British public wants refugees who have found safety in our country to integrate and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the government to put more obstacles in their way. We know that refugee men, women and children want to feel part of the country that has given them a home and supported them to rebuild their lives. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider." Meanwhile, immigration lawyer Colin Yeo claimed on social media that this "clearly violates the Refugee Convention." The legal challenge to this new policy is likely to focus on its compliance with international obligations.

Although the Conservative Party has not yet responded to the government's decision, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC last week that she believes citizenship and permanent residency "should only be granted to those who have shown a genuine commitment to the UK." It is understood that citizenship applications will continue to be processed on a case-by-case basis. A Home Office spokesperson said: "There are already rules in place to prevent those who have entered the UK illegally from gaining citizenship. This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone entering the UK illegally, including those arriving by small boat, will face the risk of having their British citizenship application refused."