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‘Good Character Guidance’ Modified to Prevent Refugees from Obtaining Citizenship New Rules and Their Effects

‘Good Character Guidance’ Modified to Prevent Refugees from Obtaining Citizenship New Rules and Their Effects

February 12, 2025

Recent changes have created a significant barrier for refugees applying for citizenship in the UK. The Home Office has revised the “Good Character Requirement,” and these changes, effective from 10 February 2025, will lead to the rejection of citizenship applications from refugees who entered the country through illegal routes.

The good character guidance is a tool used to assess whether applicants possess “good character.” However, under the new regulations, from 10 February 2025, citizenship applications from individuals who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused. This will apply regardless of how much time has passed since the illegal entry.

For individuals who entered the UK illegally but applied for citizenship before 10 February 2025, their applications will continue to be considered for character assessment, and it will be evaluated whether the immigration violation can be disregarded. However, if it’s confirmed that the person’s illegal entry was made within the last 10 years, their application will likely be refused.

Dangerous Journeys and New Regulations

Another significant change in the guidance is that applicants who arrived through a “dangerous journey” will also be denied citizenship. Those applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who previously came to the UK through a dangerous journey without the necessary valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorization will normally be refused, even if they apply for citizenship.

‘Dangerous journey’ is defined as travelling in small boats, hiding in vehicles or other means of transport. However, passengers travelling on commercial flights are not included in this category.

Effects of These Changes

The Home Office is being accused of excluding thousands of refugees from citizenship applications with these new guidance changes. In public opinion, these changes are viewed as a vindictive approach that hinders refugee integration. Additionally, it’s stated that the changes are not supported by voters and that the government is creating a “hostile environment” with its harsh stance on refugees.

Particularly, thousands of people who have successfully claimed asylum in the UK might have their citizenship applications rejected due to this new guidance. Therefore, immigration lawyers claim that this practice violates international law and restricts refugees’ rights.

Conclusion

These new rules will create serious difficulties in the citizenship process for refugees coming to the UK, and many will lose their chance to become citizens. Criticism is growing that these changes made by the Home Office reinforce a form of discrimination. With these developments, new debates on immigration and refugee policies in the UK seem inevitable.

We will continue to monitor developments.