§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to make a decision on the future of British overseas citizens who hold no other nationality. [HL5077]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)Following representations made during passage of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill about the continuing difficulties faced by British overseas citizens who have no other nationality, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has decided that those British overseas citizens who currently do not hold and have never given up another nationality will be given an entitlement to register as British citizens. We are doing this to address the situation which left those people concerned with no right of abode in any country. An amendment to this effect will be made to the Bill at Report stage in the House of Lords. Applicants will be dealt with at our posts overseas and will not need to meet any United Kingdom residence requirements. There will be no deadline for applications.