Home Office crackdown to dam criminals getting citizenship
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ew guidelines are set to return into drive geared toward stopping severe criminals gaining British citizenship.
Changes to the “good character” requirement of citizenship purposes from Monday will see more durable guidelines utilized to anybody who has obtained a 12-month jail sentence.
Currently an try to achieve British citizenship will usually be refused if a person has obtained a four-year jail time period.
Previously an software was additionally more likely to be rejected from anybody who has served between 12 months and 4 years in jail till 15 years have handed for the reason that finish of the sentence.
Anyone who had spent lower than a yr in jail additionally confronted an software being rejected till 10 years had handed.
The adjustments deliver the system into line with immigration guidelines, with new guidelines designed to be “stricter” and “more specific” on the so-called “good character” necessities.
The Home Office stated the reforms will take away the earlier guidelines whereby some criminals might be granted citizenship after a sure variety of years have handed.
“British citizenship is a privilege,” stated Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
“Those who commit crimes shouldn’t be able to enjoy the breadth of rights citizenship brings, including holding a British passport, voting and accessing free medical care from the NHS.
“I am cracking down on abuse of the UK’s immigration and nationality system, by introducing a tougher threshold so that serious criminals cannot gain British citizenship.
“This is the fair and right thing to do for our country.”
There shall be exceptions to the brand new guidelines and the Home Office stated some folks may present mitigating circumstances which may help a citizenship bid.