New Home Office guidance states that citizenship applications from people who arrived in the UK by ‘dangerous’ routes will normally be rejected from today, sparking outrage among human rights groups
People who arrived in the UK by “dangerous” methods like small boat or by hiding on lorries will be barred from ever getting UK citizenship, the Government has announced.
The draconian move has been branded “a dark moment in British history” by human rights groups. Under new Home Office guidance those who entered the country illegally will normally be refused. This will be the case regardless of the amount of time they have been in the country, the new guidance says. The rules came into effect on Tuesday.
People who put their citizenship application in before then will be assessed to see whether the “immigration breach” should be disregarded. Kolbassia Haoussou, from charity Freedom from Torture, said: “Make no mistake, this is a dark moment in British history. If the Government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backwards.
“Everyone deserves the chance to settle and fully integrate into society. I’m a survivor of torture, a British citizen, and I’ve even received an MBE from the late Queen. I know many people who also want to contribute to Britain, but blocking their ability to become citizens prevents refugees from fully integrating and flourishing in their new communities.”
Mr Haoussou, who fled persecution in his native Chad, said: “This latest decision is both profoundly disappointing and deeply damaging to the moral and cultural fabric of this country. We urge the government to immediately reconsider.”
And Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “This change flies in the face of reason. The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the Government to erect more barriers.
“We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives. So many refugees over many generations have become proud hard working British citizens as doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Becoming a British citizen has helped them give back to their communities and this should be celebrated, not prevented. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.”
British citizenship is open to people with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, settled status and with indefinite leave to enter the UK. They can make the claim if they have lived in the UK for five years and have had their right to be in the country established for a year or more.
The “good character” rules, published by the Home Office, state: “A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship. A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline.”
Nick Beales, head of campaigning at the Refugee & Migrant Forum of Essex and London, told The Mirror: “Labour’s decision to remove this right is a shameful act designed solely to appear tough on immigration whilst achieving nothing in practice. These people will remain living in the UK indefinitely, but forever denied the right to call themselves citizens. This will harm attempts at social cohesion and makes clear that Keir Starmer’s government is just as happy to pursue openly racist policies as their Conservative predecessors.”
The Mirror has contacted the Home Office for comment.
