Refugee Citizenship Ban: Everything you need to know

The Government’s ban on refugees obtaining citizenship will leave thousands of torture survivors feeling like second-class citizens. 

What is the citizenship ban? 

As of February 2025, anyone who arrived in the UK ‘illegally’ and/or via ‘dangerous routes’ will normally be refused British citizenship. This will impact an estimated 70,000 people.

The new rules mean that anyone who has entered the UK without pre-authorisation or by small boat is likely to be refused citizenship, no matter how long ago they arrived.

The guidance ignores the fact that many of those who will now be denied citizenship are recognised refugees and survivors of torture, who escaped war and persecution and have been granted legal status in the UK. Due to the lack of accessible safe routes, many refugees have taken and continue to take dangerous journeys to the UK in search of sanctuary. 

How does the citizenship ban impact torture survivors?

Citizenship is essential for refugees who want to be recognised as British and to rebuild their lives as part of our communities.

The citizenship ban will have a devastating impact on people who are trying to rebuild their lives in the UK. Not only will this cause thousands of people to feel excluded and marginalised, but it will impact their integration in communities.

Many refugees and torture survivors rely on citizenship as a way to full inclusion into British society. Blocking their access to citizenship creates generations of marginalised people.

Many refugees have had no choice but to take irregular routes to reach the UK due to the lack of safe and accessible alternatives.  

This policy harms inclusion efforts, fosters marginalisation, and excludes people from the rights and protections reserved for citizens. It leads to permanent exclusion.