Britain has toughened up its rules to make it near impossible for small boat refugees to become UK citizens - ever.
Now, anyone who arrives in the UK by making the perilous journey - via boat or hiding beneath vehicles on ferries - will normally not be allowed citizenship.
An illegal migrant’s ability to be granted citizenship will not be affected by the length of time they have remained in the country.
The tough new rules have received substantial backlash by the Refugee Council and several Labour MPs.
Britain has toughened up its rules to make it near impossible for small boat refugees to become UK citizens - ever (Stock)
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Stella Creasy said that the new change “meant refugees would forever remain second class citizens”.
The change to citizenship rules were described as a “clarification” for case workers who assess whether an applicant is of “good character”.
The guidance reads: "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."
The latest guidance says: "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.
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"A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance."
Previously, illegal migrants could apply for citizenship after living in the UK for a decade.
Now, the new guidance will stop at least 71,000 from acquiring UK citizenship, according to research by the Refugee Council.
Insisting that the Government’s action “flies in the face of reason”, CEO of the charity Enver Solomon said: “The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the government to erect more barriers.
Solomon urged Labour ministers to reconsider the new Home Office guidance
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"We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives.”
Solomon urged Labour ministers to reconsider the new Home Office guidance.
A Home Office spokesman said: "There are already rules that can prevent those arriving illegally from gaining citizenship.
"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."
