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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 July 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2020. It was answered by Kevin Foster (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 July 2020 on behalf of the Home Office.

Right of Abode: Chagossians

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's announcement entitled, UK to extend residence rights for British Nationals (Overseas) citizens in Hong Kong, published on 1 July 2020, whether she has plans to extend those rights to (a) Chagosssians and (b) descendants of Chagosssians.

Answer

Chagossians born on the British Indian Ocean Territory are British Overseas Territories Citizens, and also automatically became British citizens under the British Overseas Territories Act 2002. These individuals therefore already have the right of abode in the United Kingdom.

Under current British nationality law, citizenship is normally only passed on to one generation born abroad. British citizens can make use of existing immigration routes to bring their family members to the UK.

We have no plans to extend the arrangements for British Nationals (Overseas) set out on 1 July 2020 to Chagossians.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
69471
Session
2019-21
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Right of abode Chagossians
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk