UK to refuse citizenship to uncertified migrants

LONDON, Feb 12 (AFP): The British government on Wednesday said it was toughening immigration rules to make it almost impossible for undocumented migrants who arrive on small boats to later receive citizenship.

Under new guidance migrants arriving by sea, or hidden in the back of vehicles will normally be refused citizenship.

"This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government is under pressure to reduce migration after Nigel Farage's anti-immigration Reform UK party won roughly four million votes during the last general election-an unprecedented haul for a far-right party.