Sikiru Obarayese, Author at Tribune Online

The United Kingdom has introduced a sweeping change to its citizenship policy, significantly impacting asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants. Under the new law, which takes effect on February 10, 2025, individuals who have entered the UK illegally will be barred from obtaining British citizenship. This policy aligns with recent global efforts to curb illegal immigration, mirroring strict measures seen in countries like the United States. However, it has also sparked intense debate over the UK’s adherence to international human rights obligations. What does the new law entail? The legislation stipulates that any individual who has entered the UK illegally will automatically be denied citizenship if they apply after February 10, 2025. This restriction applies irrespective of how much time has passed since their initial illegal entry. Govt's justification for the policy The UK government argues that the new measure is necessary to deter dangerous migration routes, particularly the growing number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. These crossings, often undertaken in overcrowded and unsafe vessels, have been a focal point of the government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The surge in illegal crossings has been particularly alarming. Since record-keeping began in 2018, over 150,000 people have entered the UK via the English Channel. According to BBC reports, 1,554 individuals had already made the journey within the first six weeks of 2025 alone. Concerns, international legal implications Critics argue that the policy may conflict with the UK’s international legal obligations. The 1951 UN Refugee Convention, to which the UK is a signatory, explicitly states that asylum seekers should not be penalized for entering a country illegally if they are fleeing persecution. Human rights organizations contend that the citizenship ban undermines these protections and could leave thousands in legal limbo. Additionally, the new law is already facing legal challenges, with opponents arguing that it unfairly targets vulnerable individuals who sought refuge in the UK. Many affected migrants had previously obtained legal status, including indefinite leave to remain, as part of their path to citizenship. However, their applications now face rejection under the updated policy. A continuation of tough immigration policies The citizenship restriction is the latest in a series of hardline immigration measures implemented by the UK government. The "Stop the Boats" campaign, launched by the Conservative government, aimed to reduce unauthorized Channel crossings. A major aspect of this campaign was the controversial Rwanda deportation plan, which proposed sending asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing instead of allowing them to stay in the UK. The first scheduled flight under this plan was halted by legal challenges in June 2022, but the government has remained committed to tough immigration enforcement. What this means for immigrants, asylum seekers For potential immigrants, the message is clear: illegal entry into the UK will have long-term consequences. Those who enter the country unlawfully may face not only deportation but also a permanent ban on obtaining citizenship. For human rights advocates and legal experts, the focus now shifts to challenging the policy in court and ensuring that the UK upholds its international obligations. The outcome of these legal battles could shape the future of British immigration law and set a precedent for how asylum seekers are treated in the country. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE