UK Alters Immigration Rules to Block Citizenship for Irregular Migrants

By DTD- On Feb 13, 2025

LONDON: The United Kingdom has introduced a significant change to its immigration guidelines, making it more difficult for individuals who entered the country illegally to acquire citizenship. The new rule, effective from February 10, 2025, treats unlawful entry as a disqualifying factor for the ‘good character’ requirement, which is a key component of the citizenship application process.

This change, implemented through revised guidance for immigration caseworkers rather than through parliamentary legislation, raises concerns that it may violate international refugee conventions to which the UK is a signatory. Critics argue that the adjustment breaches the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, which prohibits penalizing individuals for the manner of their entry when they seek asylum or humanitarian protection.

The UK Labour Party, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been pushing for tougher immigration policies since taking office in 2024. This move follows other recent regulatory changes, such as stricter evidence requirements for victims of modern slavery, and further strengthens efforts to deter irregular migrants. The UK government has also been working on enhancing its border control system, including patrols in the English Channel to prevent illegal crossings.

Legal experts and advocacy groups, including the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, warn that the new policy could prevent a significant number of people from attaining citizenship, regardless of how long they have resided in the UK or their behaviour. Critics argue that this policy could discourage migrants from applying for citizenship due to its high costs and the lack of an appeal process in case of denial.

The change marks a notable shift in the UK’s stance on immigration, with the Labour government seeking to align with increasingly hardline policies seen across Europe, including in Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. However, the move has faced strong backlash, with accusations that it undermines the UK’s commitments to human rights and international refugee law.