Is Shamima Begum's Child A British Citizen

Is Shamima Begum's Child a British Citizen?

Shamima Begum's child's citizenship is a complex and controversial topic. Born to a British mother and a foreign father, the child's legal status raises several questions regarding citizenship and national security. In this blog post, we will delve into the details surrounding this issue to provide a comprehensive understanding of the matter.

Shamima Begum, a former British citizen, left the country in 2015 at the age of 15 to join ISIS in Syria. While living in Syria, she married a Dutch citizen who held connections to the terrorist group. Subsequently, Begum became pregnant and gave birth to a son in a Syrian refugee camp in 2019. Her citizenship was revoked by the UK government on the grounds of national security.

The question of whether or not Begum's child is a British citizen is primarily determined by the British Nationality Act 1981. According to section 1(1) of the Act, a person born in the UK to a parent who is a British citizen or settled in the UK at the time of the birth is automatically a British citizen by birth. However, an exception is made when the parent is a British citizen by descent and the child is born abroad.

In Shamima Begum's case, her child was born outside the UK in a Syrian refugee camp. As Begum's citizenship was revoked before the child's birth, it poses challenges in determining the child's citizenship. Section 66(1) of the British Nationality Act allows the Home Secretary to deprive a person of their citizenship rights if it is reasonable to do so in the interest of national security. Following the revocation of Begum's citizenship, her child's citizenship rights are also brought into question.

The UK government argued that Shamima Begum's child is not automatically entitled to British citizenship as it would not be considered 'stateless' since the child could claim citizenship through his Dutch father. However, this assertion is contentious. Critics argue that due to the extreme circumstances and the child's vulnerability in a war-torn region, it is the responsibility of the UK government to safeguard the child's best interests and secure their citizenship.

The case has been in legal limbo since Begum's citizenship was revoked. Begum has been appealing against the revocation, while debates continue over the fate of her child. The Court of Appeal ruled in July 2020 that Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to pursue her appeal. However, the government is still determined to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court.

Frequently Asked Question:

Q: Can Shamima Begum's child obtain British citizenship through their father?

A: While the child's father is a Dutch citizen, it raises questions about whether the child can claim citizenship through their paternal line. As the child was born to a British mother and a foreign father, the British Nationality Act's provisions become crucial. The government argues that the child can claim Dutch citizenship, and thus, should not be considered stateless. However, critics argue that the UK government should ensure the child's best interests are protected, especially considering the circumstances surrounding their birth and the potential risks they face.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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