As of December 2025, the Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 has changed the landscape of citizenship law in the UK. Previously, individuals who successfully appealed a first-instance deprivation order could have their citizenship reinstated immediately.
The new law ensures that citizenship removal remains in force throughout all appeals.
This reform strengthens the government’s position in national-security cases, preventing premature reinstatement of citizenship and ensuring that appeals are fully concluded before any reversal. While the right to appeal remains intact, the order now continues to have legal effect until all potential appeals are exhausted.
From a practical standpoint, this means that individuals subject to deprivation orders may remain non-citizens, even if they win at first instance, until the full appellate process is completed. For government authorities, this closes a loophole identified by recent Supreme Court rulings and reinforces measures to protect public safety and national security.
Critics, however, have highlighted that this could create a prolonged limbo for affected individuals, delaying access to rights and legal recognition of citizenship until the appeals process is complete.
This legislation demonstrates how legal reforms can balance individual rights with national security concerns, while emphasizing the importance of understanding procedural nuances in civil law.
For more information, visit https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/25
Call us at RakLAW Solicitors for an overview. T: 0203 345 2000 E: info@raklaw.co.uk W: www.raklaw.co.uk