States to be briefed on implications of UK Illegal Migration Act

Thursday 05 October 2023

Politicians will be briefed on discussions which took place between Jersey and the UK over the latter’s controversial Illegal Migration Act.

The piece of legislation, which received Royal Assent in July, is the central pillar of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to stop small boat crossings and includes a provision to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda to have their claims processed there, although that element has been challenged in the courts.

Although Jersey is not part of the UK, certain sections extend to the island because Westminster is responsible for laws covering British citizenship.

Jersey passport holders are British citizens, and Customs and Immigration Service deal with all naturalisation and registration applications for local residents.

Pictured: The UK's Illegal Migration Act is the central pillar of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan to stop small boat crossings.

In the States Assembly on Tuesday, Deputy Philip Bailhache asked Chief Minister Kristina Moore if the Government was consulted on the sections of the Act which apply to Jersey. Those parts define who would be prevented from obtaining British citizenship under the law and other matters of nationality.

Deputy Moore said it was her understanding that there had been some dialogue with the UK Home Office but she was not aware of any specific approach to herself.

She added that Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles, who is out of the island on States business this week, had been dealing with this matter and she would share details with the Assembly “shortly”. 

The UK Conservative Party’s stance on migration, and the rhetoric around the subject, has prompted much debate, with some arguing a strong position is necessary to protect Britain against mass immigration, while others say the Act is inhumane and breaks international obligations.