Think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has called on the government to slash the fee for applying for British citizenship, which is five times more than the cost of processing claims
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces calls to slash the cost of applying for British citizenship(Image: Dan Kitwood/PA Wire)
Families are being priced out of becoming British citizens because the Home Office charges five times more than it costs to process applications, ministers have been warned.
New analysis found the cost of applying for citizenship is over three times higher than in the US, and considerably more than in other top economies. Long-term residents have to cough up £1,709 in fees, as well as £130 for a citizenship ceremony – taking the total cost to £1,839 per person.
But think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found it costs just £324 to process applications. Nori, a mum-of-two, told The Mirror she has constantly had to tell her daughters they cannot do the things their friends do because she is saving fees.
Nori, who has also had to pay thousands of pounds in visa costs, said: “How can you feel like you belong anywhere when you’re priced out?” Her oldest daughter has British citizenship, while her youngest will go through the process next year.
“The kids miss out on a lot because we constantly have to pay for the next round of fees,” she said. The IPPR has called for an overhaul with more emphasis on participation and belonging.
Report author Marley Morris said: “A fair society should view new migrants as potential citizens and actively encourage people to commit to their new home. Yet the act of getting citizenship is a largely bureaucratic process that is priced out of reach for many.
“If we want long-term residents to be included in our common life, there should be a clear and affordable route to becoming British. The citizenship process should also be meaningfully connected to civic life and national values. A new citizenship course and a revised test could help aspiring citizens play an active part in the country they call home.”
The report points out that it costs £562 to apply for citizenship in the US, the next highest fee behind Britain among G7 nations.
Addressing costs, the IPPR report said: “This gives the impression that for the Home Office citizenship is primarily a source of income rather than a democratic institution core to the British way of life. Those who contribute but cannot afford to naturalise may end up staying in the UK with a permanent insecure status despite having lived in the UK for years or even decades.”
The report calls for fees to be reduced, as well as creating a new citizenship test focusing on community life, UK institutions, shared values and civic participation.
Former Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett wrote in the foreward to the report: “The journey to naturalisation could be sped up as people are supported to demonstrate their commitment and contribution to the community in which they live.
“The same approach could be used as part of this journey to citizenship to invest in and develop greater social cohesion and integration.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “While we will always welcome those who come to this country and contribute to our national life, British citizenship is a privilege.
“It is right that those who benefit from the migration and borders system contribute towards its operation, reducing the burden on the taxpayer.”
