Shabana Bukhari 
British citizenship acquired either by birth, adoption, descent, registration, or naturalisation brings with it many advantages. In todays blog we will discover many of these British citizenship rights, benefits and privileges. As well as important obligations and responsibilities.
British citizenship Rights, Benefits and Privileges
- The right to live in the UK permanently.
This right is also known as the “right of abode”. As your status as British citizen will be ‘permanently settled’ you are free of any restrictions to living in the UK, such as having to apply for any visas to stay in the UK. You are also free of any restrictions on time spent outside the UK.
- Right to work and study.
There are no restrictions on gaining permission to work or study through applying for any more UK visas. You may freely do both as a British citizen. This opens up more job opportunities adding stability and security.
- Free medical care through the NHS.
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system and citizens can access free medical care through it.
- Right to vote.
The ability to partake in democratic UK elections (whether that be local, national or referendums) is open to all British citizens. Additionally, you may put yourself forward to be a candidate in an election.
Follow this link to register to vote: Register to vote – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Gaining a British passport allows citizens to travel to around 190 countries without a visa.
Follow this link to apply for a British passport: Apply online for a UK passport – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- Right to claim state benefits.
Citizens can freely claim state benefits which include anything from Child Benefit and a Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to a UK State Pension. For more information on other state benefits that you can claim as a British citizen follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/taxfree-and-taxable-state-benefits.
- Sponsor family members.
As a British citizen you can sponsor family members who wish to come or seek permanent residence in the UK. To enable these close relatives to settle in the UK, sponsors must guarantee to support them for 3-10 years.
Obligations and Responsibilities
- Jury service.
British citizens that have registered to vote (see above) and are aged between 18-75 may be picked for jury service. You will receive a letter informing you that you have been randomly selected. It usually lasts up to 10 days, and you will decide on facts presented in a criminal trial as part of a 12-person panel.
- Pay taxes.
As a British citizen you are obliged to pay UK taxes, such as income tax.
To discover more follow this link: Tax if you come to live in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
FAQs
Can those with ILR and settled status also vote in UK elections?
No persons with such status do not have the right to vote in general elections.
Summary
As a British citizen you gain many rights and privileges, however these also come with some public obligations discussed above.
Please contact our expert team of immigration lawyers at Henleaze Law on 0117 908 4625 for legal assistance on British citizenship applications or how to sponsor your family members in coming to the UK.
