The UK government has published details of a new citizenship registration pathway for stateless individuals who hold no recognised nationality. This move provides a formal route for those who are not recognised as citizens of any country to register as British citizens. The official guidance, published on the UK government's website, confirms that eligibility is open to people who hold no recognised nationality.
The cost of applying for British citizenship under this new pathway varies by age. Adult applicants aged 18 and over must pay a total of £1,670, which covers both an application fee of £1,540 and a citizenship ceremony fee of £130. This amounts to approximately KSh 286,599. For children under 18, the fee stands at £1,000, or approximately KSh 171,616.
Applicants must pay the correct fee for their application to be processed. The government has warned that submitting the wrong fee will lead to outright rejection, with no processing carried out until a new application is submitted with the correct amount. Children under 18 who cannot afford the £1,000 cost may apply for a fee waiver before submitting their citizenship application.
The guidance also makes clear that this citizenship registration pathway is not the only avenue available to stateless individuals. Depending on their personal circumstances, they may be eligible for other forms of British citizenship or a different category of British nationality altogether.
To be eligible, individuals must meet specific criteria, which depend on when and where they were born. The UK government has outlined a clear process for stateless individuals to register as British citizens, providing a new opportunity for those who have previously been unable to obtain citizenship.
This move is expected to benefit many individuals who have been living in the UK without recognised nationality. The new pathway provides a clear and transparent process for stateless individuals to obtain British citizenship, and the government has encouraged eligible individuals to apply.
The UK government's decision to introduce this new pathway is part of its efforts to provide a fair and compassionate system for those who are seeking citizenship. The guidance is available on the UK government's website, and eligible individuals can begin the registration process.
Key points
- The UK government has introduced a new citizenship registration pathway for stateless individuals, with a fee of £1,670 for adults and £1,000 for children under 18.
- Children under 18 who cannot afford the £1,000 cost may apply for a fee waiver before submitting their citizenship application.
- The new pathway provides a clear and transparent process for stateless individuals to obtain British citizenship.
