What rights does someone born in a British colony have here, now in the U.K.?

Question

I was born in Southern Rhodesia, both of my parents too, but my grandparents come from Ireland and Lithuania.

I left Zimbabwe a few years ago and since then my passport has expired, because of the current situation in Zimbabwe and also because they consider me "European" I have lost my Zimbabwean citizenship and can not get a Zimbabwean passport without going back to Zimbabwe and trying to get my citizenship "reinstated".

Both the Irish and Lithuanians have given me the option of becoming a citizen, BUT I need to hand in my current Zimbabwean passport first, which I can't get. Catch 22.

Could I just become British instead, because, as I said, I was born in a British colony?

At the moment I am stateless because of this situation. I would appreciate some advice or help in trying to resolve this situation and get indefinite leave to remain in the U.K.

More detail -

I've been in to all embassies, the Zimbabwean and Irish on many occasions. I can't apply for the Irish or Lithuanian without my passport or confirmation from the HOME OFFICE in the UK showing my 'status', that I can't do...

I've applied for my Zim passport twice, both were rejected until I get my citizenship reinstated.

I have my birth certificate and all other ancestral paperwork.

More detail -

I've been in to all embassies, the Zimbabwean and Irish on many occasions. I can't apply for the Irish or Lithuanian without my passport or confirmation from the HOME OFFICE in the UK showing my 'status', that I can't do...

I've applied for my Zim passport twice, both were rejected until I get my citizenship reinstated.

I have my birth certificate and all other ancestral paperwork.

Answer 1

Possibly your Irish grandfather was also a British citizen, depending on the dates? Uk and Ireland were one country until 1922. So you might be able to claim UK nationality on ancestry basis. But I guess you would face the same problem as with Ireland and Lithuania about your Zim passport, though I don't understand why that should be necessary as long as you can prove your identity. What reason have they given for requiring a current Zim passport, because as I see it your right to Irish/Lith nationality is not affected by what passport you currently hold. If it's that they don't allow dual nationality, would it not suffice to make a legal declaration of renunciation of Zim nationality? I would suggest getting some legal advice in Ireland/Lithuania, teh authorities may just need some prodding!

As for UK check

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721067684

Another option might be to claim asylum, but you would need to show that you would be at serious risk if returned to Zim. This is a difficult and risky route, get some legal guidance first. Try a Law Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, solicitor, or OISC regulated immigration advisor.

Good luck

Answer 2

Check to see where your birth was registered. I was born in Rhodesia and my birth was registered at the British Embassy so I automatically got a British Citizenship.

Did you just speak on the phone with them or did you go in and speak to them. Perhaps make an app and take in your expired passport for them to see. I am sure they are aware of the current situation in Zim re citizenship.

Answer 3

I would suggest that if you have your birth certificate from Rhodesia (that will state the nationality of your parents) and other ID you should be able to get an Irish passport and then over to the UK because of the EU from there.

Answer 4

You cannot become British citizen. You don't have the rights to do so!
Go to Zimbabwe, get your citizenship and then apply for I Irish or Lithuanian one.
I know what u r trying to do ....good luck, you'll need it

Answer 5

try to talk with the embassies of the countries you mentioned. Good luck! I do hope you will be able to retain your Rhodesian (zimbabwean) citizenship.

Answer 6

Go to your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau and they will put you in touch with someone who can assist.