Can I keep my British citizenship if Scotland becomes independent?
‘An independent Scotland will have an inclusive approach to citizenship’. So says the White Paper, and so said other earlier documents. Likewise, anyone born in Scotland but resident elsewhere will automatically have Scottish citizenship at the date of independence. This will be the initial citizenship settlement.
Can UK citizens lose their citizenship?
Consecutive governments have ramped the stripping of citizenships, and in 2017 alone, more than 100 British nationals were stripped of their citizenship. Over the years, hundreds have been deprived of their citizenship.
Do Scottish people have English citizenship?
Nationality law is reserved to Westminster, and all residents of Scotland are British citizens.
Does Scotland have its own passport?
Inherent to citizenship is the right to hold a passport. In an independent Scotland all British citizens born or habitually resident in Scotland on day one of independence will have the right to acquire a Scottish passport, although, as in most countries, there will be no requirement to hold one.
Does England allow dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship is lawfully allowed in the UK. While holding your home country’s citizenship, you can also seek to apply for British citizenship as a second nationality. Every country has its own nationality laws, and not all countries allow dual citizenship.
Can you become a Scottish citizen?
As part of the United Kingdom, you can only become a Scottish citizen by becoming a British citizen. All applications for British citizenship, residency, or visas are made to the UK Border Agency. There are several requirements you need to meet to qualify for citizenship.
Who will be considered a Scottish citizen on independence?
We plan that British citizens habitually resident in Scotland on independence will be considered Scottish citizens. This will include British citizens who hold dual citizenship with another country. Scottish born British citizens currently living outside of Scotland will also be considered Scottish citizens.
Should the UK allow dual citizenship with Scotland in an independence?
As things stand, the UK allows dual citizenship, and the Scottish National Party would expect this to be extended to allow UK/Scottish citizenship in the event of independence. However, it would ultimately be for the UK government to decide whether that would be the case.
Should Scots hold a British passport?
The Holyrood administration’s belief is that “many people will wish to hold a Scottish passport as a symbol of their Scottish citizenship”. However, those against independence believe the British passport is always going to be the best option for Scots.
What is ‘habitual residence’ in Scotland?
Habitual residence will be the test for existing UK citizens based in Scotland at the time of independence to become automatically Scottish citizens. Likewise, anyone born in Scotland but resident elsewhere will automatically have Scottish citizenship at the date of independence. This will be the initial citizenship settlement.