The UK government is facing a High Court judicial review over a controversial policy that denies British citizenship to refugees who arrived through irregular routes, such as small boats or hidden in lorries. The policy, introduced in February 2025, stipulates that these individuals do not meet the “good character” requirement for citizenship, despite holding legal refugee status. Human rights organizations argue that the policy violates the UN Refugee Convention and disproportionately affects at least 71,000 refugees.
Among those impacted is Syrian cinematographer Ayman Alhussein, who fled war and repression to settle in the UK, gained refugee status in 2019, and has since contributed to British society, including working with the BBC. Alhussein expressed his dismay, stating the policy makes refugees feel like second-class citizens. The Refugee Council has estimated that at least 71,000 refugees could be affected by this policy.
Labour MP Stella Creasy has proposed an amendment to ensure the “good character” clause aligns with international legal obligations, amid mounting opposition from various sectors, including legal, faith, and human rights organizations.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the UK’s approach to refugee rights and citizenship.
