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New Home Office Guidance Could Block Refugees from UK Citizenship
The Home Office faces criticism for allegedly obstructing a pathway to citizenship for thousands of refugees who arrived in the UK through small boats or other clandestine means. Recent guidance suggests that applicants who have undertaken a “dangerous journey” will typically face rejection when seeking naturalization.
According to the Refugee Council, this new directive could impact about 71,000 individuals who have been granted asylum in the UK, effectively barring them from becoming British citizens. A prominent immigration barrister claims this policy may contravene international law.
This development is seen as part of a broader shift by Keir Starmer’s government toward a stringent approach on asylum policies, likely influenced by rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Additionally, it follows assertions from senior Conservative officials regarding a new border security bill, which was passed for further consideration in Parliament, that aims to rescind aspects of the Illegal Migration Act and prevent irregular entrants from obtaining citizenship.
Calls for the government to rethink this guidance have emerged from various sectors, including the Labour Party. Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy took to X to advocate for immediate changes, emphasizing that granting refugee status should not exclude individuals from the opportunity to become British citizens.
The changes to the guidance, first reported by the Free Movement blog, were introduced on Monday and are described as a “clarification” to the assessment criteria for determining good character in citizenship applications.
The new guidance outlines that, starting from February 10, 2025, any person who previously entered the UK illegally would typically face refusal when applying for citizenship, irrespective of how much time has elapsed since their entry. It further specifies that those who make perilous journeys, such as those using small boats or hidden within vehicles, would normally be denied citizenship.
Statistics indicate that most individuals entering the UK via small boats are eventually recognized as refugees and subsequently seek British citizenship. The process to apply for citizenship incurs a fee of £1,630, and no appeal is permitted in the event of a rejection.
Colin Yeo, an immigration barrister and influential blogger, expressed strong disapproval of the new policy on Bluesky, stating, “This is bad, full stop. It creates a class of person who are forever excluded from civic life no matter how long they live here. It’s also a clear breach of the refugee convention.”
Article 31 of the UN refugee convention clearly states that contracting states should not penalize refugees based on illegal entry or presence. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, characterized the move as unreasonable, arguing that the UK’s public sentiment favors the integration of refugees who have achieved safety within its borders.
He noted that many refugees throughout history have become exemplary British citizens, contributing to society as healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and other roles. Solomon asserted that facilitating citizenship should be a reason for celebration, not obstruction.
Following the release of footage depicting immigration enforcement actions, the Home Office has been accused of fostering a climate that normalizes racism. The government appears to believe that its tough stance on migration will resonate with Labour voters who might be swayed by Farage’s party. In response to recent immigration raids, MP Diane Abbott cautioned that mimicking the rhetoric of Reform UK could prove to be a significant error.
The Home Office has yet to respond to these criticisms regarding the new citizenship guidance and its broader implications for the refugee community.
Source
www.theguardian.com