Free British citizenship for Windrush generation

LONDON: The UK government said that emigrants to Britain decades ago who have been wrongly targeted over their immigration statuses will be eligible for free citizenship, as it tries to contain the continuing crisis.

Interior Minister Amber Rudd announced members of the so-called Windrush generation who arrived in Britain from the Caribbean before 1973, as well as those from other Commonwealth countries, could capitalise on the offer.

She also confirmed that a compensation scheme will be set up for people who have suffered loss or damage because of their inability to show they remained in Britain legally and to access services.

“It is only right that the significant contribution the Windrush generation have made to the UK is recognised,” said Rudd, who answered questions on the scandal in parliament.

“I want to ensure they can acquire the status they deserve – British citizenship – quickly, at no cost and with proactive assistance through the process.”

The so-called Windrush generation, named after the ship that brought over the first group of West Indian immigrants in 1948, were invited to work in Britain after World War II.

They received indefinite leave to remain, but many who later failed to get their papers in order have been targeted by laws intended to create a “hostile environment” for illegal immigrants. — AFP