The government has toughened up rules making it almost impossible for a refugee who arrives in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen.
New guidance states that anyone who enters the UK illegally will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time that has passed.
In a statement the Home Office said the strengthened measures made it clear that anyone who entered the UK illegally – including on small boats – would face having a British citizenship application refused.
But, the change has been condemned by the Refugee Council and some Labour MPs – including Stella Creasy who said the change “meant refugees would forever remain second class citizens”.
Changes, first disclosed by the Free Movement blog, were introduced to guidance for visa and immigration staff on Monday.
Described as a “clarification” to case worker guidance when assessing if a claimant is of “good character’, it says: “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.”
Another new entry to the same 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.
“A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance.”
Previously, refugees who had arrived by irregular routes would need to wait ten years before being considered.
The Refugee Council estimates the new guidance will prevent at least 71,000 refugees from obtaining British citizenship.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the charity, said the government’s move “flies in the face of reason”.
“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.
“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.
“We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.”
Citizenship applications will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis, it is understood.
A Home Office spokesperson 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.”