The Home Office has come under fire for implementing new guidance that effectively blocks thousands of refugees from applying for UK citizenship if they arrived by small boats or concealed in vehicles.

Effective February 10, 2025, this guidance dictates that individuals who undertook dangerous journeys to reach the UK will typically be denied citizenship.

Under this new policy, applicants who entered the UK illegally will generally face refusal for citizenship, regardless of how long they have been in the country.

The Refugee Council estimates that this policy could prevent around 71,000 individuals who have successfully sought asylum from obtaining British citizenship.

Applying for UK citizenship costs £1,630, and notably, there is no right of appeal against a refusal.

A leading immigration barrister has asserted that this new guidance violates international law, particularly Article 31 of the UN refugee convention, which prohibits penalties on refugees for illegal entry.

Critics, including immigration barrister Colin Yeo, argue that the policy creates a permanent underclass and breaches the UN refugee convention.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, contended that the guidance undermines the integration and contribution of refugees to British society.

The changes reflect a hardline 'hostile environment' approach by Keir Starmer's government, likely in response to increasing support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK.

Senior Conservative members have claimed that the new border security bill will repeal parts of the Illegal Migration Act, further preventing irregular arrivals from becoming British citizens.

Labour MP Stella Creasy has called for an immediate reversal of the new guidance, stressing that refugee status should lead to a pathway for citizenship.

The Home Office has also faced accusations of fostering racism, particularly following the release of footage showing immigration enforcement actions.