There have been changes to the ‘Good Character’ policy guidance used by Home Office caseworkers who assess applications for British citizenship. These changes are likely to have a significant negative impact upon people with refugee status who apply for British citizenship after 10 February 2025.
The Good Character guidance explains the rules that Home Office staff use to assess whether someone applying for British citizenship (sometimes referred to as ‘naturalisation’) has met the ‘good character requirement’. This means that they do not have a history of behaviour resulting in things like criminal convictions, immigration breaches, etc.
The Home Office made additions to pages 50-51 of the guidance, which, as pointed out by Free Movement, were published as ‘clarifications’ rather than changes. These additions are to be applied to applications for citizenship made after 10 February 2025.
The changes are as follows:
Regarding ‘illegal’ entry
Any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025, who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place. (page 50)
Any person applying for citizenship before 10 February 2025 where illegal entry is a factor, will continue to have their application reviewed to determine whether that immigration breach should be disregarded for the purpose of the character assessment. (page 50)
Regarding arrival without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey
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 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. (page 51)
These changes may result in the prevention of British citizenship for refugees in the UK who apply after 10 February 2025.
We know that this information will cause worry in our communities, and we continue to stand in solidarity with you.
As and when we learn more, we will update you.
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent amendment made by the Labour Party to the citizenship process, particularly the classification of illegal entry into Britain as a “bad character” trait. While I fully support the principle that applicants for British citizenship should have a good reputation, I believe that this amendment fails to consider the dire circumstances that force many individuals to flee their home countries.
There are people who have had no choice but to escape war and persecution, facing the impossible decision between certain death in their homeland and the dangerous journey to safety. Labeling these individuals as having a “bad character” disregards their suffering and the lack of legal pathways available to them. Furthermore, applying this amendment retroactively—potentially leading to imprisonment—violates basic human rights. Had such a policy existed earlier, many would have been able to make an informed choice about seeking refuge in Britain.
I strongly believe that this amendment serves as a political tool, aimed at countering the rise of far-right rhetoric rather than addressing immigration issues fairly and humanely. If this policy is to be implemented, it should take effect from its date of enforcement, not be applied retroactively to those who entered Britain under different circumstances. Moreover, if an individual accepts that they will not have the right to apply for citizenship in the future, they should at least be allowed to live in security and safety, rather than in what would essentially be an open prison.
I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this matter and urge you to take action if you share these concerns. I look forward to your response.
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the recent amendment to the citizenship process. We at Right to Remain deeply appreciate your thoughtful and compassionate perspective on this issue. Labelling individuals who entered the UK through irregular routes as having “bad character” is deeply troubling.
We will continue to advocate for a world in which everyone can exercise their right to remain with dignity and humanity, where they need to be. Thank you again for your comments on this important issue.
I came to the UK at the age of sixteen because of the danger to my life in my own country and now that I have to apply for citizenship , this law has made me very depressed to the point that I cannot continue working. I feel enslaved, meaning that as long as I am in this country I have to live as a second-class asylum seeker and I have no right to a comfortable life ۔If this law really doesn’t change, it will be very bad in life, and being a second-class citizen is no different from slavery.