In October 2025, a major change was made to British citizenship law that could affect anyone facing thede privation of citizenship process in the UK. The new Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 changes what happens after someone successfully appeals against a decision to remove their British citizenship.

At GigaLegal Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors are already advising clients on what this meansin real-life cases. This article explains the change, why it matters, and how it could impact you or someone you know.

What has changed?

Before this new law, if you successfully appealed a deprivation of citizenship order, your British citizenship was automatically treated as if it had never been taken away. In other words, once you won the appeal, you immediately became a British citizen again, and your status was fully restored.

Under the new 2025 law, things are different. Even if you win your appeal, your citizenship reinstatement will not happen straight away. The Home Secretary now has the right to delay restoring your citizenship until all further appeals by the Government have been resolved, withdrawn, or abandoned.

This means that even after winning your case, you may remain in legal limbo for a period of time.

Why has the government introduced this change

According to the Home Office, the law aims to protect national security by preventing individuals considered a threat from returning to the UK while appeals are still open, preventing statelessness manipulation by dual nationals who might renounce their other citizenship to frustrate deprivation powers, and allowing continued immigrationen forcement (such as detention or bail) during ongoing appeals. While these are presented as practical safeguards, the reform also raises concerns about fairness, timing, and rights for those caught in the middle of the appeal process.

How this affects individuals

If you are facing deprivation ofcitizenship or are currently appealing such a decision, this change could have significant consequences. Even after winning your appeal, your British citizenship may not be reinstated immediately. You could remain subject to immigration bail, detention, or travel restrictions during this period. If you live abroad or rely on your citizenship status for employment, travel, or family matters, the delay could cause practical and emotional hardship. The appeal process may become longer and more complex, requiring ongoing legal advice.

At GigaLegal, we recognise how stressful this uncertainty can be for clients. Our solicitors carefully monitor every stage of the citizenship deprivation appeal process to ensure your rights are protected throughout.

What this means in practice

The new law effectively gives the Home Secretary greater control over when and how citizenship is reinstated. For some, this could mean weeks or months of waiting after winning their appeal before their British citizenship is officially restored.

During that time, you may not be able to exercise your full rights as a British citizen, such as accessing certain services, re-entering the UK, or sponsoring family members.

Our private immigration solicitors are already advising clients on how to prepare for these delays and avoid additional complications.

What you can do

If you are affected by a deprivation of citizenship decision, or are appealing against one, it’s crucial to seek immediate legal advice from an experienced immigration solicitor who understands both the legal and practical implications. Also, don’t forget to keep your records updated, including correspondence from the Home Office and your tribunal decisions. On top, it is better to avoid travel or status changes until your citizenship status is officially confirmed as restored.

At GigaLegal Solicitors, weprovide expert advice on private and business immigration matters. Our teamworks closely with clients to prepare robust legal arguments and ensure that your immigration matter is handled with precision, professionalism, and care.

Speak to an expert Immigration Solicitor for your British citizenship matter

Losing British citizenship or being left in uncertainty after winning your appeal can be one of the most stressful experiences anyone faces. Having the right legal team beside you makes all the difference.

Contact GigaLegal Solicitors today to speak to an expert immigration and nationality lawyer in London about your British citizenship case.

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