'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — In a significant move to curb illegal immigration, the UK government has announced stringent new rules that will bar undocumented migrants who arrive in the country through irregular or "dangerous" routes from claiming British citizenship.
The updated immigration guidelines, unveiled by the Home Office on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, mark a major shift in the nation’s approach to border security and citizenship eligibility.
The new rules, which took effect on February 10, 2025, explicitly state that migrants who enter the UK illegally—whether by small boats, hidden in vehicles, or through other unauthorized means—will no longer be eligible for citizenship. The guidance emphasizes that such individuals will "normally be refused citizenship," regardless of how much time has passed since their illegal entry.
“A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025, having made a dangerous journey, will normally be refused citizenship,” the Home Office stated in its updated guidance. It further clarified that “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 term "dangerous journey" encompasses a range of irregular entry methods, including crossing the English Channel in small boats or being smuggled into the country concealed in vehicles or other conveyances. A Home Office spokesperson said the updated 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.”
The move is part of a broader package of policies tied to the new Border Security Bill, which also addresses illegal working and deportation procedures. A source close to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the updated rules are designed to send a strong message that illegal entry into the UK will not be rewarded with citizenship.
The decision comes in the wake of a controversial court ruling that granted a Palestinian family of six the right to remain in the UK under a scheme originally intended for Ukrainian refugees. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the ruling as a “legal loophole” and vowed to address the issue. “We are working to ensure that our immigration system is fair but firm,” Starmer said on Wednesday.
However, the government’s stance has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and human rights advocates. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch slammed the court’s decision to allow the Palestinian family to stay as “completely wrong” and “crazy.” Badenoch urged the government to review the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to family life, arguing that it has been misapplied in such cases.
The new rules build on the Illegal Migration Act, passed by the previous Conservative government, which barred individuals arriving via irregular routes from obtaining citizenship. Under the previous system, refugees who arrived through unauthorized means had to wait 10 years before being considered for citizenship. The updated guidance eliminates this pathway entirely, signaling a tougher stance on illegal immigration.
The announcement has sparked a heated debate across the political spectrum. Pro-immigration groups have condemned the move as overly harsh, arguing that it penalizes vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict and persecution. Meanwhile, supporters of stricter border controls have welcomed the changes, describing them as necessary to restore public trust in the immigration system.
As the new rules take effect, the government faces the challenge of balancing border security with its international obligations under human rights laws. With the number of small boat crossings remaining a contentious issue, the updated guidance is likely to shape the UK’s immigration policy for years to come.
For now, the message from the Home Office is clear: those who arrive in the UK illegally will find the path to citizenship firmly closed.
