TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 48

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