UK to deny citizenship to refugees who enter illegally by boats

The United Kingdom has tightened its regulations, making it nearly impossible for refugees arriving in small boats to gain British citizenship.

Under the new guidelines, anyone entering the UK illegally through dangerous means such as by boat or by hiding in vehicles will be refused citizenship.

A statement issued from the home office made it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally will have their citizenship application rejected.

However, the change was condemned by the Refugee Council and some Labour MPs, including Stella Creasy, who said the move “meant refugees would forever remain second-class citizens.”

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The change meant that anyone who intended to enter the country illegally, including those already here, would be unable to apply for citizenship. 

Referred to as a "clarification" for caseworker guidance on evaluating a claimant's good character, it states: "Any individual seeking citizenship from 10 February 2025, who has previously entered the UK without authorisation will typically face refusal, irrespective of how much time has passed since the illegal entry occurred."

"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,” it added.

"A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance."

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The previous regulation allowed a little leverage to the refugees that stated that refugees who arrived from irregular routes would need to wait 10 years to be considered.

The latest rules came after labour’s border security bills, which boosted the police power against human traffickers, were approved by the parliament last Monday.

According to the Refugee Council, the new regulations will prevent at least 71,000 refugees from obtaining British citizenship. 

"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,” Enver Solomon, CEO of the charity.

"We urge ministers to urgently reconsider the bill."