The UK Government has introduced stringent new measures that will prevent individuals who arrived in the country through “dangerous” methods, such as small boats or hiding in lorries, from ever obtaining British citizenship. The new guidance, which came into effect on Tuesday, has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups who describe it as a “dark moment in British history.”
Under the new Home Office rules, those who have entered the UK illegally will face automatic rejection of their citizenship applications, regardless of how long they have lived in the country. The guidance also stipulates that individuals who applied before the new rules were implemented will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if their immigration breach should be overlooked.
Kolbassia Haoussou, a survivor of torture and representative of the charity Freedom from Torture, strongly condemned the government’s decision. “Make no mistake, this is a dark moment in British history,” he said, reported by the Mirror.
“If the Government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backward.” Haoussou, who was granted British citizenship after fleeing persecution in Chad, argued that refugees deserve the chance to fully integrate into society. He added, “Blocking their ability to become citizens prevents refugees from fully integrating and flourishing in their new communities.”
The Refugee Council also voiced strong opposition to the new rules, with Chief Executive Enver Solomon describing the change as “fly[ing] in the face of reason.” Solomon emphasized that refugees want to contribute to the UK and become part of their new communities, just as many refugees have done in the past. “So many refugees over many generations have become proud hard-working British citizens,” he said, urging the Government to reconsider the policy.
The Home Office clarified that British citizenship is available to those who have indefinite leave to remain or settled status in the UK. However, those who arrived in the UK without valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorization, and made a dangerous journey to get here, will typically be denied citizenship. This includes arriving by small boat or concealed in a vehicle, but not by commercial airline.
Critics argue that this move will hinder social cohesion and unfairly punish individuals who are already living in the UK. Nick Beales, head of campaigning at the Refugee & Migrant Forum of Essex and London, called the decision “shameful” and accused the Government of pursuing “openly racist policies.”
A Home Office spokesman defended the policy, stating that the new guidance strengthens existing rules aimed at preventing individuals who enter the UK illegally from gaining citizenship.
