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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Holly Bancroft

Ministers’ plans to stop small boat refugees getting British citizenship hit by legal challenge

An inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel on 6 March 2024 - (Getty Images)

Rules that make it almost impossible for small boat refugees to become British citizens have been hit by a legal challenge, The Independent can reveal.

New guidance issued in February stated that anyone who enters the UK illegally by making a dangerous journey, such as via a small boat over the English Channel or by hiding in a lorry, will “normally” be refused citizenship. The toughened-up rules apply regardless of how much time has passed since the person entered the UK.

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