Nationality and Borders Bill: Chagossians en route to become British citizens

The UK has passed the Nationality and Borders Bill, which gives direct descendants of Chagossians who were born on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) a route to British citizenship, free of charge.

The development came only days after Mauritius escalated the Chagos-related dispute with the UK over the control of the .io domain name.

A policy paper just published by the UK Government said the Nationality and Borders Bill will create an entitlement for direct descendants of Chagossians who were born on the islands to acquire British nationality.

The UK Home Office will create an application process that will allow direct descendants, to apply to be registered as a British Overseas Territory citizens and as a British citizen.

Applicants will not be required to pay an application fee. The application process will be time limited.

All applications from adults must be made within 5 years of the process commencing those under the age of 18 years old and those born during the 5-year period for making applications will have until the age of 23 to decide if they wish to apply under this route.