The UK’s new immigration rule, effective February 10, 2025, introduces stricter “good character” requirements for British citizenship applicants. Under this policy, individuals who entered the UK illegally or made a “dangerous journey” to get there will typically be denied citizenship, regardless of how much time has passed since their illegal entry.
What is the New UK Citizenship Rule?
Under this policy, anyone applying for UK citizenship after the effective date, who previously entered the UK illegally, will typically be denied, regardless of the time elapsed since their initial illegal entry.
The UK government has cited concerns over the increasing number of migrants using dangerous routes, such as crossing the English Channel in small boats. Since 2018, over 150,000 people have arrived in the UK via this perilous route.
Key Implications:
Refusal of Citizenship: Individuals who entered the UK illegally will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time passed since their illegal entry.
Dangerous Journeys: The policy considers traveling by small boat or being concealed in a vehicle as “dangerous journeys.”
International Obligations: Critics argue that this policy violates the UK’s international obligations, including the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which stipulates that asylum seekers should not be penalized for illegal entry ².
The new rule has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it unfairly penalizes refugees who were forced to take dangerous routes to reach the UK. Legal challenges are already underway, questioning the policy’s fairness and compliance with international laws.