LABOUR have been accused of defying the UK’s international obligations after covertly changing the rules which govern whether asylum seekers can become British citizens.
On Monday, the UK Government quietly altered the Home Office’s “good character guidance” to state that people will now “normally” be refused citizenship if they entered the UK by irregular means – no matter how long they have lived here.
The change makes particular reference to those who arrived “having made a dangerous journey”, including those “travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle”.
People without citizenship cannot vote in Westminster elections or stand as candidates – and are restricted on how long they can leave the UK for, no matter how long they have lived here.
Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) chief executive Sabir Zazai said that making changes to citizenship rules had been a “disastrous move by the UK Government, which risks deepening divisions in our society and disenfranchising people who are simply trying to rebuild their lives”.
“When it comes to seeking refugee protection, it is not as simple as applying for a travel visa or getting on a plane. People forced to flee war and persecution face very difficult and desperate choices, often risking their lives because there are no legitimate ways to seek safety. This should not prevent them from having the same rights as other refugees.
“This change has come into effect immediately, without any consultation or scrutiny. It defies our international obligations and will impact people who have already been part of UK society for years.
“If the Government wants to prevent people from making dangerous journeys in order to seek asylum, they should refocus their efforts on providing safe routes for people who currently have no other choice.”
The SRC estimated that the change will affect around 7000 people in Scotland, effectively blocking them from ever becoming citizens.
Just Right Scotland, a charity founded by human rights lawyers, issued a statement which also condemned the UK Government’s move.
“We are deeply concerned by the Home Office’s recent changes to naturalisation guidance, which state that individuals who entered the UK irregularly will now normally be refused British citizenship,” the charity said. “This decision represents a profound setback for refugee rights in the UK.
“Under current law, there is no safe or legal route for most people to claim asylum in the UK. As a result, the vast majority of asylum seekers have no choice but to enter irregularly. Despite this, those who are eventually granted refugee status have been fully recognised under international law as needing protection.
“By the time refugees apply for British citizenship, they have: been granted refugee status by the Home Office; lived lawfully in the UK for at least six years; secured permanent residence, as granted by the Home Office; built their lives in the UK – working, studying, contributing to society; often established deep family and community ties.
“This policy change is unnecessary. It will not deter dangerous journeys, but it will make integration significantly harder.”
The charity added: “At its core, the right to seek asylum is not determined by the method of arrival but by the need for protection. The UK has a proud history of offering refuge to those fleeing war, persecution, and torture. We urge the Government to uphold this legacy by ensuring that refugees are supported – not excluded.
“We call on the Government to reconsider this harmful policy and commit to an approach that prioritises protection, integration, and solidarity.”
“Will the minister ask the Home Secretary to reflect on the societal and cohesion aspects of this policy, the impact on children and their right to UK citizenship, and the statelessness which would arise for individuals if their birth country refused to renew or retain their nationality?” he told the Lords.
“Surely this parliament should have a say in such a big change.”
Responding, Home Office minister David Hanson said: “He will know that the proposals are about illegal entry to the United Kingdom and do not affect rightful citizenship applications for people who are entering the UK legally.
“In terms of those who are stateless and at risk of losing citizenship, for people who do qualify there is a stateless leave provision and they can apply for that. And children again will be considered sympathetically under existing legislation.”
The minister added: “He mentions community cohesion. The central premise of Government policy is to ensure we have a society that respects and has cohesion.”
