The UK government has announced stricter immigration rules, barring undocumented migrants arriving via small boats from obtaining British citizenship.
The new policy, outlined in a government paper on February 10, reinforces the “good character” requirement for citizenship applications.
Under the updated guidance, individuals who entered the UK illegally will “normally be refused citizenship,” regardless of when they arrived. The policy, effective from February 10, 2025, includes those who traveled by small boat or concealed in vehicles. Exceptions may apply to children if they had no control over their entry.
Critics, including the UK’s Refugee Council, condemned the move, warning that it could leave up to 71,000 people without a path to citizenship.
The Labour government, under pressure to reduce migration, has maintained tough policies while repealing parts of the previous Conservative administration’s laws, including the Rwanda asylum scheme.
