The UK government has introduced stricter measures making it nearly impossible for refugees who arrive via small boats or other dangerous routes to gain British citizenship.
New guidance issued this week states that anyone who enters the UK illegally—whether by boat, hiding in a vehicle, or other means—will typically be denied citizenship, regardless of how much time has passed. The Home Office confirmed that the updated rules reinforce its stance that illegal entry will lead to automatic refusal of citizenship applications.
The policy shift has sparked criticism from refugee rights advocates and opposition MPs. The Refugee Council condemned the move, while Labour MP Stella Creasy warned it would result in refugees being treated as “second-class citizens” indefinitely.
The changes, first revealed by the Free Movement blog, were introduced to immigration and visa guidance on Monday. Officials have framed the update as a “clarification” regarding the assessment of an applicant’s “good character.” The new rule, effective from February 10, 2025, states that any applicant who previously entered the UK illegally will "normally be refused" citizenship.
An additional provision in the guidance specifically targets those who arrived without valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorization via dangerous journeys, further tightening restrictions on asylum seekers attempting to settle in the UK.
"A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance."
Previously, refugees who entered the UK through irregular routes had to wait ten years before being considered for citizenship.
New guidance issued this week states that anyone who enters the UK illegally—whether by boat, hiding in a vehicle, or other means—will typically be denied citizenship, regardless of how much time has passed. The Home Office confirmed that the updated rules reinforce its stance that illegal entry will lead to automatic refusal of citizenship applications.
The policy shift has sparked criticism from refugee rights advocates and opposition MPs. The Refugee Council condemned the move, while Labour MP Stella Creasy warned it would result in refugees being treated as “second-class citizens” indefinitely.
The changes, first revealed by the Free Movement blog, were introduced to immigration and visa guidance on Monday. Officials have framed the update as a “clarification” regarding the assessment of an applicant’s “good character.” The new rule, effective from February 10, 2025, states that any applicant who previously entered the UK illegally will "normally be refused" citizenship.
An additional provision in the guidance specifically targets those who arrived without valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorization via dangerous journeys, further tightening restrictions on asylum seekers attempting to settle in the UK.
"A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance."
Previously, refugees who entered the UK through irregular routes had to wait ten years before being considered for citizenship.
