VerbatimParliament, as it happens

British Nationality

Asked by Ruth CadburyLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 19 May 2026UIN 182

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the existing rights for individuals holding British Overseas Citizen status.

Answered by Mike Tapp

British Overseas Citizenship (BOC) is a form of British nationality defined in the British Nationality Act 1981. Those who hold BOC status are British nationals and are entitled to hold a British passport and to receive consular assistance overseas.

BOCs do not have the right of abode in the United Kingdom and are subject to immigration control, although some may be eligible to register as British citizens where they meet the relevant statutory requirements.

There are no current plans to make changes to British Overseas Citizenship.

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