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Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL]

We need to await the discussion and the subsequent debate that will ensue on Report regarding the UNHCR. As I have said, we will continue to have discussions ahead of Report. With regard to the noble Lord’s second amendment on the question of penalties for refugees, the Bill does not penalise them in that way. Their qualifying period does not start until they are granted leave as a refugee. Therefore, the requirement not to be in breach of immigration laws does not become relevant for naturalisation until later, when that period has begun—in other words, beyond the point at which the status has been given. Furthermore, the requirement regarding breach of immigration law is about having the rights or the status to be in the UK, not about offences committed. I hope that that is helpful and that we can continue this discussion on Report. I urge that the amendment be withdrawn.