LS Legal Solicitors (RUSSIAN)

Good Character vs Bad Character

Thursday 26th October 2017

When you want to naturalise as a British citizen, you inevitably come across requirement of a 'good character'. However, there is no definition of 'good character' in the British Nationality Act 1981 and therefore no statutory guidance as to how this should be interpreted or applied.

The Home Office guidance explains 'good character' through indications of 'bad character' by providing details on what actions show or may show that an applicant for naturalisation may be not a good person:

1. Criminal convictions (including 'old' unspent convictions) and/or involvement in or associated with war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, terrorism and other activities contrary to the public good;

2. Driving and parking offences including 'fixed penalty notices';

3. Police warning and cautions;

4. Financial unsoundness including bankruptcy, liquidation of company, debt or non-payment of council tax;

5. Notorious activities and serious doubts on an applicant's standing in the local community;

6. Dishonesty or deception;

7. Overstaying, illegal entry and breaches of the immigration law; and

this list is a non-exhaustive.

Depending on circumstances, those indicators of 'bad character' should prevent a person from becoming a British citizen but some of them, although must be declared, will not prevent an applicant from naturalising as British.

If any of above-mentioned appeals to you it may be helpful to provide positive evidence of your 'good character' with an application. The Secretary of the State should assess 'good character' but she will not be actively looking for relevant evidence, so an applicant must be active in doing this. There are number of positive 'good character' evidence, for example voluntary or charity work, achievements, character references etc. that can be used.

We strongly recommend you seek legal advice before submitting an application. LS Legal Solicitors are experts in dealing with applications for naturalisation. Contact us by e-mail info@LSLegaLUK.com or by phone +447535959450 and we would be happy to assist you.