Illegal Migrants Will Be Denied UK Citizenship, Says Home Office

A new Home Office policy has barred migrants who entered the UK illegally from obtaining citizenship.

The immigration guidance, titled “Nationality: Good Character Requirement,” took effect on Monday, February 10.

The law specifically targets migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats or enter the UK hidden in lorries.

“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,” the Home Office said.

“A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline.”

Some lawmakers have raised concerns that the new policy could negatively impact genuine asylum seekers in need of refuge.

However, the law suggests that there may be waivers for individuals in that category.

An example is “a person who entered illegally 14 years ago [who] would normally require refusal of citizenship as an illegal entrant but has been recognised as a victim of trafficking and subsequently granted refugee status.”

The Home Office stated that citizenship would only be granted after assessing an individual’s good behavior.

This policy is part of a broader effort to reduce immigration numbers in the UK.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to implement stricter measures to tackle the rising number of illegal foreign workers.

Hours later, the Home Office reported a record number of deportations.