It also makes particular reference to those who arrived having made a dangerous journey, adding: “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.
A Labour MP has called changes to immigration rules which would bar anyone entering the UK illegally from ever getting British citizenship “counterproductive” while a refugee charity branded it a “dark moment” in the country’s history.
The Home Office’s good character guidance, updated on Monday, now says that an applicant having entered the UK illegally will “normally” result in a refused citizenship – no matter how long they have lived in the UK.
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday: “I want to make it clear that I voted for the legislation on Monday, because I think it is important that we repeal the Rwanda legislation, the madness and the money that we spent on that scheme, and that we do actually support a border force.
“This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused.”.
