The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) Regulations 2007

Statutory Instruments

2007 No. 3139

british nationality

The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) Regulations 2007

Made

26th October 2007

Laid before Parliament

2nd November 2007

Coming into force

3rd December 2007

The Secretary of State makes the following Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 41(1) and (3) of the British Nationality Act 1981(1).

PART 1 U.K. General

Citation and commencement U.K.

1.  These Regulations may be cited as the British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) Regulations 2007 and shall come into force on 3rd December 2007.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Interpretation U.K.

2.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

“the Act” means the British Nationality Act 1981;

“applicant”, in relation to an application made on behalf of a person who is not of full age or capacity, means that person; and

“High Commissioner” means, in relation to a country mentioned in Schedule 3 to the Act (countries whose citizens are commonwealth citizens)(2), the High Commissioner for Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom appointed to that country, and includes the acting High Commissioner.

(2) In the application of the provisions of regulation 6(3), where a function of the Secretary of State under the Act is exercised by the Governor of a British overseas territory by virtue of arrangements made under section 43(1) of the Act (exercise of functions of Secretary of State by Governors and others)(3), any reference in those provisions to the Secretary of State shall be construed as a reference to the Governor.

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

PART 2 U.K. Registration and Naturalisation

Applications U.K.

3.  Any application for registration as a British overseas territories citizen or for a certificate of naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen shall—

(a) be made to the appropriate authority specified in regulation 4;

(b) satisfy the requirements of Part 1 of Schedule 1 and, if made on behalf of a person not of full age or capacity, Part 2 of that Schedule; and

(c) satisfy any further requirements specified in relation to that application in Schedule 2.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Authority to whom application is to be made U.K.

4.  The authority to whom an application is to be made is—  

(a) if the applicant is in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for the Home Department;

(b) if the applicant is in any of the Islands, the Lieutenant-Governor;

(c) if the applicant is in a British overseas territory, the Governor;

(d) if the applicant is in a country mentioned in Schedule 3 to the Act, the High Commissioner or, if there is no High Commissioner, the Secretary of State for the Home Department;

(e) if the applicant is elsewhere, any consular officer, any established officer in the Diplomatic Service of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom or any person authorised by the Secretary of State for that purpose.

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Persons not of full age or capacity U.K.

5.  The following persons may make an application on behalf of someone who is not of full age or capacity—

(a) the individual’s father or mother;

(b) any person who has assumed responsibility for the individual’s welfare.

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Citizenship oaths and pledges U.K.

6.—(1) This regulation applies where, by virtue of section 42 of the Act (registration and naturalisation: citizenship ceremony, oath and pledge)(4), an applicant for registration or for a certificate of naturalisation is required to make a citizenship oath or pledge.

(2) The oath or pledge shall be administered in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 3.

(3) Where, following an application by an applicant who is required to make a citizenship oath or pledge, the Secretary of State decides that the registration should be effected or the certificate should be granted—

(a) he shall cause notice in writing of the decision to be given to the applicant; and

(b) the oath or pledge shall be made within three months of the giving of the notice or such longer time as the Secretary of State may allow.

(4) Any notice required by paragraph (3)(a) shall be given—

(a) where the applicant’s whereabouts are known, by causing the notice to be delivered to him personally or by sending it to him by post;

(b) where the applicant’s whereabouts are not known, by sending it by post in a letter addressed to him at his last known address.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Certificates of naturalisation U.K.

7.  A certificate of naturalisation shall include the following information relating to the person to whom the certificate is being granted—

(a) full name;

(b) date of birth; and

(c) place and country of birth.

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

PART 3 U.K. Renunciation and Deprivation

Declarations of renunciation U.K.

8.  Any declaration of renunciation of British overseas territories citizenship shall—

(a) be made to the appropriate authority specified in regulation 9; and

(b) satisfy the requirements of Schedule 4.

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Authority to whom declaration of renunciation is to be made U.K.

9.  The authority to whom a declaration of renunciation is to be made is—

(a) if the declarant is in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for the Home Department;

(b) if the declarant is in any of the Islands, the Lieutenant-Governor;

(c) if the declarant is in a British overseas territory, the Governor;

(d) if the declarant is in a country mentioned in Schedule 3 to the Act, the High Commissioner or, if there is no High Commissioner, the Secretary of State for the Home Department;

(e) if the declarant is elsewhere, any consular officer, any established officer in the Diplomatic Service of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom or any person authorised by the Secretary of State for that purpose.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

PART 4 U.K. Supplemental

Evidence U.K.

10.  A document may be certified to be a true copy of a document for the purpose of section 45(2) of the Act (evidence) by means of a statement in writing to that effect signed by a person authorised by the Secretary of State, the Lieutenant-Governor, the High Commissioner or the Governor for that purpose.

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Manner of signifying parental consent to registration U.K.

11.— [F1 (1)]  Where a parent, in pursuance of section 17(5)(c) of the Act (acquisition by registration: minors)(5), consents to the registration of a person as a British overseas territories citizen under that provision, the consent shall be expressed in writing and signed by the parent.

[F2 (2) Any consent required to be signified under section 17D(3) of the Act (consent of a person’s natural father and mother, or either of them) must be—

(a) signified in writing, and

(b) signed by the person signifying it.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Reg. 11 renumbered as reg. 11(1) (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(a)

F2 Reg. 11(2) inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(2)(b)

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Revocation U.K.

12.  The following instruments are revoked—

(a) The British Nationality (Dependent Territories) Regulations 1982(6);

(b) The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Regulations 2003(7);

(c) The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2003(8); and

(d) Paragraph 4 of Part 2 of Schedule 13 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Order 2005(9).

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Liam Byrne

Minister of State

Home Office

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 1 U.K. General requirements for applications

PART 1 U.K. All applications

1.  An application shall be made in writing and shall state the name, address and date and place of birth of the applicant. U.K.

Commencement Information

I13 Sch. 1 para. 1 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

2.  An application shall contain a declaration that the particulars stated in the application are true. U.K.

Commencement Information

I14 Sch. 1 para. 2 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

PART 2 U.K. Applications made by persons not of full age or capacity

3.  An application in respect of someone not of full age or capacity made by another person on his behalf shall— U.K.

(a) state that the application is made on behalf of a person who is not of full age or capacity;

(b) state the name and address of the person who is making the application;

(c) indicate the nature of the connection between the person making the application and the person on whose behalf the application is made; and

(d) where the person making the application has any responsibility, other than as a parent, for the person on whose behalf the application is made, the nature of that responsibility and the manner in which it was assumed.

Commencement Information

I15 Sch. 1 para. 3 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 2 U.K. Particular requirements for applications

[F3 Interpretation U.K.

A1.   In this Schedule—

(a) a reference to a person’s “natural father” is to be construed in accordance with section 17G(1) of the Act(15);

(b) a reference to a person automatically becoming a citizen of a certain type is to be construed in accordance with section 17G(4) of the Act.]

Textual Amendments

F3 Sch. 2 para. A1 inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(a)

Application under section 15(3) of the Act U.K.

1.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant’s father or mother became a British overseas territories citizen, or became settled in a British overseas territory, after the applicant’s birth; and

(b) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character.

Commencement Information

I16 Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 15(4) of the Act U.K.

2.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of residence; and

(b) that he is of good character.

Commencement Information

I17 Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

3.  If the applicant was absent from the British overseas territory in which he was born for more than 90 days in any one of the first 10 years of his life and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under section 15(7) of the Act (acquisition of citizenship by birth or adoption)(10), the application shall specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Commencement Information

I18 Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 17(2) of the Act U.K.

4.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant’s father or mother (“the parent in question”) was a British overseas territories citizen by descent at the time of the applicant’s birth;

(b) that the father or mother of the parent in question—

(i) was a British overseas territories citizen otherwise than by descent at the time of the birth of the parent in question; or

(ii) became a British overseas territories citizen otherwise than by descent at commencement; or

(iii) would have become a British overseas territories citizen otherwise than by descent at commencement but for his or her death; and

(c) either—

(i) that the parent in question possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of residence; or

(ii) that the applicant was born stateless.

[F4 (d) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that the applicant is of good character.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Sch. 2 para. 4(d) inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(b)

Commencement Information

I19 Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

F5 5.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F5 Sch. 2 para. 5 omitted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(c)

Application under section 17(5) of the Act U.K.

6.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant’s father or mother was a British overseas territories citizen by descent at the time of the applicant’s birth;

(b) that the applicant and his father and mother possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence (as required by section 17(5)(b) and (6) of the Act (acquisition by citizenship by registration: minors)(11)) and, if only one parent possesses the requisite qualifications, the reason for that fact;

(c) that the consent of the applicant’s father and mother (as required by section 17(5)(c) and (6) of the Act (acquisition of citizenship by registration: minors)) has been signified in accordance with regulation 11 and, if the consent of one parent only has been signified, the reason for that fact; and

(d) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character.

Commencement Information

I20 Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

[F6 Application under section 17A of the Act U.K.

6A.   The application must contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant—

(i) would have become a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies under section 5 or 12(2), (3), (4) or (5) of, or paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to, the British Nationality Act 1948(16) if the applicant’s parents had been treated equally, by that Act or by any relevant previous provision, for the purposes of determining the applicant’s nationality status, or

(ii) would have been a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies immediately before commencement if the applicant’s parents had been treated equally, for the purposes of determining the applicant’s nationality status, by any independence legislation that caused the applicant to lose that citizenship,

(b) that, if the applicant had become or been a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), the applicant would have become a British Dependent Territories citizen at commencement under section 23(1)(b) or (c) of the Act, and

(c) that, if the applicant had become a British Dependent Territories citizen as mentioned in sub-paragraph (b), the applicant would have become a British overseas territories citizen on the commencement of section 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6B.   In paragraph 6A, “independence legislation” and “relevant previous provision” have the same meaning as in section 17A of the Act.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17C of the Act U.K.

6C.   The application must contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant would be entitled to be registered as a British overseas territories citizen under section 15(3) or 17(2) or (5) of, or paragraph 4 or 5 of Schedule 2 to, the Act if the applicant’s mother had been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth, and

(b) where the applicant is aged 10 or over and the provision under which the applicant would be entitled to be registered as a British overseas territories citizen (as mentioned in section 17C(1)(b) of the Act) is section 15(3) or 17(2) or (5) of the Act, that the applicant is of good character.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6D.   If the applicant would be entitled to be registered as a British overseas territories citizen under section 17(5) of the Act as mentioned in paragraph 6C(a) but for the fact that the parental consents referred to in subsection (4) of section 17C of the Act (power to waive requirement for parental consents) have not been signified, the application must specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration for the purposes of that subsection.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17D of the Act U.K.

6E.   The application must contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant would, at any time in the period after commencement, have automatically become a British Dependent Territories citizen or a British overseas territories citizen at birth by the operation of section 15(1) or 16 of, or paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to, the Act if the applicant’s mother had been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth,

(b) that, in a case where the applicant would have become a British Dependent Territories citizen as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), the applicant would then have automatically become a British overseas territories citizen by the operation of section 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, and

(c) if the applicant is under the age of 18 (but subject to paragraph 6F) that the consent of the applicant’s natural father and mother, or either of them, has been signified in accordance with section 17D(3) and (4) of the Act and regulation 11 and, if the consent of only one of those individuals has been signified, the reason for that.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6F.   If the application is made without the consent of the applicant’s natural father and mother having been signified, it must specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration for the purposes of section 17D(5) of the Act (power to waive requirement for parental consents).

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17E of the Act U.K.

6G.   The application must contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant—

(i) was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies immediately before commencement, or

(ii) would have become such a citizen under section 5 or 12(2), (3), (4) or (5) of, or paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to, the British Nationality Act 1948 if the applicant’s parents had been treated equally, by that Act or by any relevant previous provision, for the purposes of determining the applicant’s nationality status, or

(iii) would have been such a citizen immediately before commencement if the applicant’s parents had been treated equally, for the purposes of determining the applicant’s nationality status, by any independence legislation that caused the applicant to lose that citizenship,

(b) that the applicant would then have automatically become a British Dependent Territories citizen at commencement by the operation of section 23 of the Act, if the applicant’s mother had been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth, and

(c) that the applicant would then have automatically become a British overseas territories citizen by the operation of section 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6H.   In paragraph 6G, “independence legislation” and “relevant previous provision” have the same meaning as in section 17A of the Act.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17F of the Act U.K.

6I.   The application must include information showing that the applicant—

(a) ceased to be a British subject or a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies by virtue of the commencement of any independence legislation, but would not have done so if the applicant’s mother been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth,

(b) was a British subject who did not automatically become a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies at commencement of the British Nationality Act 1948 by operation of any provision of it, but would have done so if the applicant’s mother had been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth, or

(c) would have automatically become a British subject or citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies at birth, or by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1948, if the applicant’s mother had been married to the applicant’s natural father at the time of the applicant’s birth.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6J.   In paragraph 6I, “British subject” and “independence legislation” have the same meaning as in section 17F of the Act.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17H of the Act U.K.

6K.   The application must contain information showing that the applicant is a direct descendant of a person (“P”) who was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies by virtue of P’s birth in the British Indian Ocean Territory or, prior to 8thNovember 1965, in those Islands designated as the British Indian Ocean Territory on that date.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 17I of the Act U.K.

6L.   The application must specify the information to be considered by the Secretary of State in forming an opinion under section 17I of the Act about whether the applicant would have been, or would have been able to become, a British overseas territories citizen but for—

(a) historical legislative unfairness,

(b) an act or omission of a public authority, or

(c) exceptional circumstances relating to the applicant.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6M.   The application must contain information showing that the applicant is of full capacity.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6N.   Where paragraph 6O applies, the application must also—

(a) contain information showing that the applicant is of good character, or

(b) specify why the Secretary of State should not take into account whether the applicant is of good character in considering whether to grant the application.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6O.   This paragraph applies where—

(a) the application is made on the basis that the applicant would have been able to become a British overseas territories citizen but for a matter mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of paragraph 6L, and

(b) the process by which the applicant would have been able to become a British overseas territories citizen would have involved the Secretary of State being required, under section 41A of the Act, to be satisfied that the applicant was of good character.

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

6P.   In paragraph 6L, “historical legislative unfairness” and “public authority” have the same meaning as in section 17I of the Act.]

Textual Amendments

F6 Sch. 2 paras. 6A-6P inserted (28.6.2022 except for the insertion of Sch. 2 para. 6K, 23.11.2022 in so far as not already in force) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2)(3)(a), 3(3)(d); S.I. 2022/1056, reg. 2(a)

Application under section 18(1) of the Act U.K.

7.  The application shall contain information showing that the applicant—

(a) possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of—

(i) residence or Crown service;

(ii) freedom from immigration restrictions;

(iii) compliance with the immigration laws;

(iv) good character; and

(v) knowledge of language;

(b) has the requisite intention with respect to residence or occupation in the event of a certificate of naturalisation being granted to him; and

(c) is of full capacity.

Commencement Information

I21 Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

8.  If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence, freedom from immigration restrictions, compliance with the immigration laws or knowledge of language and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Act (naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen under section 18(1)), the application shall specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Commencement Information

I22 Sch. 2 para. 8 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

9.  If the applicant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity)(12), the application shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case.

Commencement Information

I23 Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 18(2) of the Act U.K.

10.  The application shall contain information showing that the applicant—

(a) is married to, or is the civil partner of, a British overseas territories citizen;

(b) possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of—

(i) residence;

(ii) freedom from immigration restrictions;

(iii) compliance with the immigration laws;

(iv) good character; and

(v) knowledge of language; and

(c) is of full capacity.

Commencement Information

I24 Sch. 2 para. 10 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

11.  If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence, compliance with the immigration laws or knowledge of language and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 to the Act (naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen under section 18(2))(13), the application shall specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Commencement Information

I25 Sch. 2 para. 11 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

12.  If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 8(d) of Schedule 1 to the Act (naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen under section 18(2)) on the grounds of marriage to, or civil partnership with, a person who is serving in Crown service under the government of a British overseas territory or other designated service, the application shall specify the nature of the service and contain information showing that recruitment for that service took place in a British overseas territory.

Commencement Information

I26 Sch. 2 para. 12 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

13.  If the applicant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity), the application shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case.

Commencement Information

I27 Sch. 2 para. 13 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 22(1) of the Act U.K.

14.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant has renounced citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies before commencement;

(b) that at the time when he renounced it, the applicant was, or was about to become, a citizen of a country mentioned immediately before commencement in section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1948(14);

(c) that the applicant could not have remained or become such a citizen but for renouncing it or had reasonable cause to believe that he would be deprived of his citizenship of that country unless he renounced it;

(d) that the applicant possessed the requisite qualifying connection with a British overseas territory immediately before commencement or was married before commencement to a person who possessed the requisite qualifying connection with a British overseas territory immediately before commencement or who would if living have possessed such a connection;

(e) that the applicant has not previously been registered under section 22(1) of the Act (right to registration replacing right to resume citizenship of UK and Colonies)(15); and

(f) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character.

Commencement Information

I28 Sch. 2 para. 14 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 22(2) of the Act U.K.

15.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant has renounced citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies before commencement and his reason for doing so;

(b) that the applicant possesses the requisite qualifying connection with a British overseas territory or has been married to, or has been the civil partner of, a person who has, or would if living have, such a connection;

(c) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character; and

(d) that the applicant is of full capacity.

Commencement Information

I29 Sch. 2 para. 15 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

16.  If the applicant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity), the application shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case.

Commencement Information

I30 Sch. 2 para. 16 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 13(1) of the Act as applied by section 24 of that Act U.K.

17.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant has renounced British overseas territories citizenship;

(b) that, at the time when he renounced it, the applicant had or was about to acquire some other citizenship or nationality;

(c) that the renunciation of British overseas territories citizenship was necessary to enable him to retain or acquire that other citizenship or nationality;

(d) that the applicant had not previously been registered under section 13(1) of the Act (resumption of citizenship) as applied by section 24 of that Act (renunciation and resumption of British overseas territories citizenship)(16);

(e) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character; and

(f) that the applicant is of full capacity.

Commencement Information

I31 Sch. 2 para. 17 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

18.  If the applicant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity), the application shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case.

Commencement Information

I32 Sch. 2 para. 18 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under section 13(3) of the Act as applied by section 24 of that Act U.K.

19.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant has renounced British overseas territories citizenship and his reason for so doing;

(b) where the applicant is aged 10 or over, that he is of good character; and

(c) that the applicant is of full capacity.

Commencement Information

I33 Sch. 2 para. 19 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

20.  If the applicant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity), the application shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case.

Commencement Information

I34 Sch. 2 para. 20 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under paragraph 3 of Schedule 2 to the Act U.K.

21.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant is and always has been stateless;

(b) that the applicant seeks British overseas territories citizenship and possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of residence.

Commencement Information

I35 Sch. 2 para. 21 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

22.  If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 to the Act, the application shall specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Commencement Information

I36 Sch. 2 para. 22 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

[F7 Application under paragraph 3A of Schedule 2 to the Act U.K.

22A.   The application must contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant is and always has been stateless,

(b) that the applicant seeks British overseas territories citizenship and possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of residence, and

(c) that the applicant is unable to acquire another nationality in accordance with paragraph 22B.

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 2 paras. 22A-22D and cross-heading inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(e)

22B.   A person is able to acquire a nationality in accordance with this paragraph if—

(a) the nationality is the same as that of one of the person’s parents,

(b) the person has been entitled to acquire the nationality since birth, and

(c) in all the circumstances, it is reasonable to expect the person (or someone acting on the person’s behalf) to take the steps which would enable the person to acquire the nationality in question.

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 2 paras. 22A-22D and cross-heading inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(e)

22C.   For the purposes of paragraph 22B(b), a person is not entitled to acquire a nationality if its acquisition is conditional on the exercise of a discretion on the part of the country or territory in question.

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 2 paras. 22A-22D and cross-heading inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(e)

22D.   If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 to the Act, it must specify the special considerations to be taken into consideration.]

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 2 paras. 22A-22D and cross-heading inserted (28.6.2022) by The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/602), regs. 1(2), 3(3)(e)

Application under paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the Act U.K.

23.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant is and always has been stateless;

(b) that the father or mother of the applicant was a British overseas territories citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth; and

(c) that the applicant seeks British overseas territories citizenship and possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of residence.

Commencement Information

I37 Sch. 2 para. 23 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

24.  If the applicant does not possess the requisite qualifications in respect of residence and it is desired that the application should nevertheless be considered under paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 to the Act, the application shall specify the special circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Commencement Information

I38 Sch. 2 para. 24 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Application under paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 to the Act U.K.

25.  The application shall contain information showing—

(a) that the applicant is and always has been stateless;

(b) if he was not born at a place which is, at the date of the application, within the United Kingdom and British overseas territories—

(i) that the applicant’s mother was a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies at the time of his birth; or

(ii) that he possesses the requisite qualifications in respect of parentage or residence and parentage; and

(c) that the applicant seeks British overseas territories citizenship and that that citizenship is available to the applicant in accordance with paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 2 to the Act.

Commencement Information

I39 Sch. 2 para. 25 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

Regulation 6(2)

SCHEDULE 3 U.K. Administration of citizenship oath or pledge

1.  Subject to paragraph 2, a citizenship oath or pledge shall be administered by one of the following persons— U.K.

(a) in England and Wales [F8 , a registrar], any justice of the peace, commissioner for oaths or notary public;

(b) in Scotland, [F9 a registrar,] any sheriff principal, sheriff, justice of the peace or notary public;

[F10 (ba) in Northern Ireland, any justice of the peace, commissioner for oaths, notary public, or a person authorised by the Secretary of State;]

(c) in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or any British overseas territory—

(i) any judge of any court of civil or criminal jurisdiction;

(ii) any justice of the peace or magistrate; or

(iii) any person for the time being authorised, by the law of the place where the applicant, declarant or deponent is, to administer an oath for any judicial or other legal purpose;

(d) in any country mentioned in Schedule 3 to the Act of which Her Majesty is Queen, or in any territory administered by the government of any such country—

(i) any person for the time being authorised, by the law of the place where the deponent is, to administer an oath for any judicial or other legal purpose;

(ii) any consular officer; or

(iii) any established officer of the Diplomatic Service of Her majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom;

(e) elsewhere—

(i) any consular officer;

(ii) any established officer of the Diplomatic Service of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom; or

(iii) any person authorised by the Secretary of State for that purpose.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in Sch. 3 para. 1(a) substituted (8.11.2023) by The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1104), regs. 1(3), 2(2)

F9 Words in Sch. 3 para. 1(b) inserted (8.11.2023) by The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1104), regs. 1(3), 2(3)

F10 Sch. 3 para. 1(ba) inserted (8.11.2023) by The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1104), regs. 1(3), 2(4)

Commencement Information

I40 Sch. 3 para. 1 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

2.  If the deponent is serving in Her Majesty’s naval, military or air forces, the oath or pledge may be administered by any officer holding a commission in any of those forces, whether the oath or pledge is made in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. U.K.

Commencement Information

I41 Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

[F11 3.   In this Schedule, a “registrar” means a registrar within the meaning of section 41(3B) of the Act.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F11 Sch. 3 para. 3 inserted (8.11.2023) by The British Nationality (British Overseas Territories) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1104), regs. 1(3), 2(5)

Regulation 8

SCHEDULE 4 U.K. Requirements for declaration of renunciation

1.  A declaration shall be made in writing and shall state the name, address, date and place of birth of the declarant. U.K.

Commencement Information

I42 Sch. 4 para. 1 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

2.  A declaration shall contain information showing that the declarant— U.K.

(a) is a British overseas territories citizen;

(b) is of full age or, if not, has been married or has been a civil partner;

(c) is of full capacity; and

(d) will, after the registration of the declaration, have or acquire some citizenship or nationality other than British overseas territories citizenship.

Commencement Information

I43 Sch. 4 para. 2 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

3.  If the declarant is not of full capacity and it is desired that the requirement of full capacity be waived in accordance with section 44A of the Act (waiver of requirement for full capacity), the declaration shall specify why it would be in the applicant’s best interests for the requirement to be waived in his case. U.K.

Commencement Information

I44 Sch. 4 para. 3 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

4.  A declaration shall contain a declaration that the particulars stated are true. U.K.

Commencement Information

I45 Sch. 4 para. 4 in force at 3.12.2007, see reg. 1

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations consolidate with amendments and revoke the British Nationality (Dependent Territories) Regulations 1982. Part 2 of, and Schedules 1 to 3 to, these Regulations make provision in respect of applications for registration and naturalisation as a British overseas territories citizen, the procedure for making a citizenship oath and pledge where required under section 42 of the British Nationality Act 1981 (“the Act”) and the contents of a certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen. Part 3 of, and Schedule 4 to, these Regulations make provision in respect of declarations of renunciation of British overseas territories citizenship. Part 4 of these Regulations makes supplemental provision. Key amendments require applicants aged ten or over to demonstrate good character when making an application under section 13(1) or (3) (as applied by section 24), 15(3) or (4), 17(5) or 22(1) or (2) of the Act. They also require applicants who are not of full capacity and who wish the full capacity requirement to be waived in their case in accordance with section 44A of the Act to provide reasons why it would be in their best interests for that requirement to be waived when making an application under section 13(1) or (3) (as applied by section 24), 18(1) or (2) or 22(2) of the Act and when making a declaration of renunciation of British overseas territories citizenship. The form of a certificate of naturalisation is no longer specified but the information which must be contained in such a certificate is specified and no longer includes the name which the holder had at birth if different from his current name.

(1)

1981 c. 61. Section 41(1) of the 1981 Act has been amended by: sections 1 and 3 of, and paragraphs 3 and 4 of Schedule 1 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41); section 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8); and S.I. 1986/948. Section 41(1) of the 1981 Act is also amended by section 50(4) of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13) but that amendment is not yet in force. Section 41(3) of the 1981 Act has been amended by: section 3 of, and paragraphs 3 and 6 of Schedule 1 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and sections 52 and 61 of, and Schedules 2 and 3 to, the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

(2)

Schedule 3 to the 1981 Act has been amended by section 1 of the Brunei and Maldives Act 1985 (c. 3); S.I. 1983/882; S.I. 1983/1699; S.I. 1989/1331; S.I. 1990/1502; S.I. 1994/1634; and S.I. 1998/3161.

(3)

Section 43(1) of the 1981 Act has been amended by: sections 1, 2 and 7 of, and Schedule 2 to, the British Overseas Territories Act 2002; and S.I. 1986/948.

(4)

Section 42 of the 1981 Act was substituted by section 3 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

(5)

Section 17(5) of the 1981 Act has been amended by sections 1 and 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.

(6)

S.I. 1982/987 which has been amended by: sections 1 and 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002 (c. 8); S.I. 2003/539; S.I. 2003/3159; and paragraph 4 of Part 2 of Schedule 13 to S.I. 2005/2114.

(7)

S.I. 2003/539.

(8)

S.I. 2003/3159.

(9)

S.I. 2005/2114.

(10)

Section 15(7) of the 1981 Act has been amended by section 1 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.

(11)

Section 17(5) and (6) of the 1981 Act has been amended by: sections 1 and 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002; sections 9 and 161 of, and Schedule 9 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and section 261 of, and paragraph 75 of Schedule 27 to, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33).

(12)

Section 44A of the 1981 Act was inserted by section 49 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

(13)

Paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 to the 1981 Act has been amended by: section 1 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002; sections 2 and 161 of, and Schedule 9 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and section 261 of, and paragraph 78 of Schedule 27 to, the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

(14)

1948 c. 56. Section 1 of the British Nationality Act 1948 was repealed by section 52(8) of, and Schedule 9 to, the 1981 Act.

(15)

Section 22(1) of the 1981 Act has been amended by: sections 1 and 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002; and sections 5 and 161 of, and Schedule 9 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

(16)

Section 24 of the 1981 Act has been amended by section 2 of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002.