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British National (Overseas): Citizenship

Asked by Zarah SultanaYour PartyHome OfficeTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 6631

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how Form EM applications for registration as British citizens are considered in cases where British National (Overseas) status holders are unable to safely (a) access and (b) exercise any other nationality because of (i) political risk and (ii) persecution.

Answered by Mike Tapp

A British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) applying under this route would need to demonstrate they do not have another nationality.

The statutory test is concerned with the legal possession of a nationality, irrespective of whether they are able to avail themselves of it by approaching the authorities of the country concerned.

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