Refusal of British citizenship based on ‘good character’ and ‘illegal’ journeys

Wilson Solicitors are acting in a number of individual cases for people refused British citizenship on the basis that their ‘illegal’ journeys to the UK mean they are not considered to be of ‘good character’ according to the Home Office’s policy, last updated on 11 February 2025, Good character: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK. The Home Office had indicated that the policy would be updated again to clarify the policy, but this has still not been done.

The firm is also acting in a judicial review challenging this policy. At time of writing, a court decision on whether the judicial review will be permitted to proceed to a full hearing is pending. You can read
our previous posts about this challenge here: 5 March, 14 May, 28 July.

If your application for British citizenship is refused, you have the right to request for the decision to be reconsidered and, potentially, to challenge the refusal in court by way of judicial review. Judicial
reviews must be started promptly and no later than 3 months from the decision challenged. For people who are financially eligible, legal aid may be available. Our immigration team can also act for
you on a private basis.

If you have been refused British citizenship because you arrived in the UK irregularly, you can contact us by email (m.savjani@wilsonllp.co.uk, m.navarrete@wilsonllp.co.uk, j.pennington@wilsonllp.co.uk)or telephone (switchboard 020 8808 7535).

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