Why are British Nationality Laws so Complex?

September 05, 2011

The laws governing UK nationality are extremely complex; this largely due to Britain’s colonial history and its position as head of the Commonwealth.

The laws governing UK nationality are extremely complex; this largely due to Britain’s colonial history and its position as head of the Commonwealth.

The most common routes to British Nationality are still through residency, marriage and birth.

If you have a parent or grandparent that was born in the UK, Ireland or ANY of Britain’s former colonies or territories (over 100 countries or jurisdictions) you may also have a claim to one of the five forms of British Nationality. In particular, if your place of birth is DIFFERENT to those of either of your parents or grandparents, these chances increase substantially.

The nationality and status of a parent or grandparent at specific points in history plays a large part in eligibility and this is far from clear-cut.

The British Protection and Citizenship of the UK & Colonies was often retained by people connected to these territories at the time that these countries gained independence from the UK. Hopefuls with these peculiar claims to British Overseas Citizenship (which is the modern day equivalent to Citizenship based on links with former colonies) who also have a UK-born grandparent are invariably British Citizens already and the need for Ancestry visas or Indefinite Leave falls away.

Claims are also possible for the next generation born to those connected with the former British Colonies and Protectorates.

1st Contact Visas offer a free online assessment of your nationality status. Alternatively, speak to an experienced and knowledgeable 1st Contact Visas consultant, who will be able to advise you and assist with any British nationality applications.

Visit www.1stcontactvisas.com or call 0808 141 1664 (in the UK) 0800 003 163 (in South Africa) and 1800 039 300 (in Australia).