The 'Nationality: good character requirement' guidance was updated on 10 February 2025, preventing many refugees from ever becoming British citizens. We urge ministers to urgently reverse this policy or update the guidance to confirm refugees are exempt.
The guidance states that anyone who entered the UK illegally/having made a dangerous journey will “normally” be refused British citizenship. Many refugees who entered the UK through irregular means will therefore be prevented from ever becoming British - no matter how long they live in the UK or the contributions they make. We believe this policy breaches Article 31 and Article 34 of the Refugee Convention.
Government response
We expect people applying for British citizenship, including refugees, to respect our laws. The good character policy is compliant with the Refugee Convention, and there are no plans to reverse it.