The United Kingdom introduces stricter citizenship rules, making it more difficult for individuals who entered the country illegally, including asylum seekers, to become British citizens.
Under the updated policy, anyone who arrives in the UK without authorization faces rejection when applying for citizenship, regardless of how long they have lived in the country. The rule applies to all citizenship applications submitted after February 10, 2025, even for individuals holding indefinite leave to remain or other legal statuses.
The UK government enforces this measure as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration, particularly targeting the surge in small boat crossings across the English Channel. Since 2018, over 150,000 people have made the journey, and by February 2025, more than 1,500 new crossings have already been recorded. Officials argue that these unauthorized entries pose security risks and endanger lives, prompting the need for tighter immigration policies.
Critics claim the new policy violates the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which protects asylum seekers from penalties for illegal entry. The rule already faces legal challenges, with concerns that it unfairly impacts individuals seeking refuge under dire circumstances. Many who previously held legal residency now face uncertainty over their citizenship status.
The UK government continues to strengthen immigration laws, including its controversial “Stop the Boats” campaign, which proposes deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Although legal battles halted the first deportation flights in 2022, officials remain committed to enforcing stricter border controls.
Individuals planning to seek asylum or citizenship in the UK must be aware of these stricter regulations. Ongoing court cases and policy reviews could influence future immigration rules, making it essential for affected individuals to stay informed about developments.
