New guidance states that anyone who enters the UK illegally having made a dangerous journey, which could be via boat, but also by means such as hiding in a vehicle, will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time that has passed.
In a statement, the Home Office said the strengthened measures made it clear that anyone who entered the UK illegally would face having a British citizenship application refused.
But, the change has been condemned by the Refugee Council and some Labour MPs - including Stella Creasy who said the change “meant refugees would forever remain second class citizens”.
Changes, first disclosed by the Free Movement blog, were introduced to guidance for visa and immigration staff on Monday.
Described as a “clarification” to case worker guidance when assessing if a claimant is of "good character’, it says: “Any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025, who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place.”
Another new entry to the same guidance says: "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.”
Previously, refugees who had arrived by irregular routes would need to wait ten years before being considered.
FFS nobody is walking off a boat and being given citizenship…ever!
First they’d have to be given permission to stay short term. Then indefinite permission to stay (which is normally linked to work status). Then after a decade they can apply for citizenship. Before citizenship, they can’t claim benefits and can need to make payments to qualify for NHS care.
No, they would never be able to become citizens. Her point has merit, but she needs to use the correct terms. Refugees are not citizens, because when they get citizenship they have a new home and are no longer refugees.
The language matters. There’s a narrative that we are a soft touch because people land on our shores and immediately get all the benefit of being British. It’s weaponised lies that need to be shown to be lies. Calling these people citizens feeds the lie.