2(j)
NATURALISATION
LINE TO TAKE
CONFIDENTIAL
There is no special criterion under which refugees may apply for
naturalisation. Once they are settled in the United Kingdom they must
qualify in the normal way under the British Nationality Act 1981,
ie after five years residence. Nor is there an abatement of fees since
the Nationality Department is obliged to achieve cost-effectiveness in
this respect.
BACKGROUND
Under the British Nationality Act 1981, those settled in the United
Kingdom may apply for naturalisation after five years residence. They
must be of good character, have sufficient knowledge of English, or
Welsh, and have the intention to remain closely connected with the
United Kingdom.
Article 34 of the Convention states that contracting states should
facilitate the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees, and expedite
naturalisation procedures. We consider that, within the constraints under
which the Department has to operate, we satisfy both Article 34 of the
1951 Convention and comply with exhortations from the Council of Europe.
CONFIDENTIAL