Fees for registering children as British citizens

The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

You may watch the debate on parliamentlive.tv.

MPs and campaigners have criticised the fees charged by the Home Office for applications to register children as British citizens. The fees are said to be prohibitively expensive, preventing children from exercising their right to apply for British citizenship. The Government denies accusations that it seeks to make a profit from such children. It points out that such applications are not mandatory and that the money raised helps to fund the visa system and border control. In June the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration launched an inspection of the Home Office’s approach to charging for services in such cases. In July campaigners instigated proceedings in the High Court challenging the current fee.