The Home Office has made updates to the Good Character guidance with effect from 10th February 2025. The new rules will limit refugees eligibility for British Citizenship.
As per British Nationality Act 1981 anyone who is applying for British Citizenship must show they are of ‘good character’.
On 10 February 2025 the Home Office made significant changes to the good character guidance, which could potentially exclude refugees from applying for naturalisation.
The guidance 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.”
For applications submitted before 10 February 2025, the application will be considered under the old rules. The caseworker will assess the character and whether the immigration breach may be disregarded. If the immigration breach is not being set aside, the guidance states “it will normally be appropriate” to refuse the application if illegal entry took place in the last ten years.
For applications submitted from 10 February 2025, the application will “normally be refused”, regardless of the time that has passed since the illegal entry took place.
It is expected that many applicants will be affected by this change. Refugees and those with Humanitarian Protection status are now prohibited from applying for a British Nationality. The guidance explains further that a citizenship may still be granted under exceptional circumstances, for example:
"A person who entered illegally 14 years ago would normally require refusal of citizenship as an illegal entrant but has been recognised as a victim of trafficking and subsequently granted refugee status. They haven’t acquired any other notable adverse character issues during their residency, indicative that on a balance of probabilities they are now of good character."
The naturalisation fee is set to increase to a total of £1735 (including the citizenship ceremony fee), therefore many people may choose not to apply for naturalisation in light of new rules.
If you consider applying to naturalise as a British citizen, it is important to consider the guidance. It is anticipated that in certain circumstances the Home Secretary may exercise a discretion in decision making process.
Understanding the good character requirement UK is essential in such cases, as it plays a critical role in determining the outcome of citizenship applications.
If you require assistance with your immigration application, get in touch today:
Tel. 07523 281 911
E-mail: info@fcimm.co.uk
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