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Written question asked by Afzal Khan (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 July 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 July 2018 (named day). It was answered by Caroline Nokes (Conservative) on Monday, 9 July 2018 on behalf of the Home Office.

British Nationality: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the British Nationality Act 1981, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the guidance it issues on good character for young persons meets its statutory responsibilities in relation to (a) safeguarding and (b) making the best interests of the child a primary consideration in decisions; and if he will make statement.

Answer

The good character test for British citizenship applies to those aged 10 and over, in line with the age of criminal responsibility. Decisions on citizenship applications from minors are made taking into account the Home Office’s statutory obligations under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to have due regard to the best interests of the child.

Guidance for caseworkers considering applications for British citizenship is publicly available on Gov.uk. This is in the process of being updated to clarify a number of issues, including application of the good character requirement for young persons.

Figures relating to citizenship applications, including decisions to refuse where the applicant is found to not be of good character, are included in the latest Home Office quarterly migration statistics published on 24 May and available on Gov.uk.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
160834
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British nationality Protection Young people
Legislation
British Nationality Act 1981
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk