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 the country’s citizenship.

The immigration guidance titled ‘Nationality: Good character requirement’ took effect on Monday.

The law targets migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats or sneaking into the UK 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 argued that the new policy would affect genuine asylum applicants seeking refuge.

The law suggests that there could be some waiver for people 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 said citizenship would be granted after it has determined that the person has been of good behaviour.

It is the latest in a stream of policies enacted to cut immigration numbers in the UK.

On Monday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised tougher measures to address the growing number of illegal foreign workers in the country.

Hours later, the Home Office boasted that it oversaw a record number of deportations.