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Citizenship ceremonies

There have been major changes in the granting of British Citizenship. These changes follow the publication of:

• the Government White Paper "Secure Borders Safe Haven" in February 2002
• the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002| .

Under the new arrangements, once an application has been approved, all new citizens who are over 18 years old must attend a citizenship ceremony. This is usually in the area in which they live.

The ceremony must take place within three months of the application being granted. It includes making either an oath or an affirmation of allegiance to the crown and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.

These new arrangements came into force on 1 January 2004.

Minors (children under 18 years of age) do not have to take part in ceremonies. But they may attend along with their families and be included in the formalities.

The register office receives notification from the Home Office of the granting of citizenship for people living in Calderdale. A letter is sent out inviting new citizens to the next available ceremony.

The ceremonies are appropriate and dignified as well as warm and welcoming. There is a Union flag and portrait of H.M. the Queen at the ceremonies.

The ceremony begins with welcome speeches from the Superintendent Registrar (SR) and local dignitary. The applicants then either swear or affirm their allegiance to the Queen collectively, repeating the words after the SR. They then give their pledge of allegiance to the United Kingdom – again repeating after the SR. Each applicant then comes forward to receive his or her certificate and sign the Citizenship Register. The local dignitary presents the certificates.

The SR concludes the ceremony by making a congratulatory speech. The ceremony ends with everyone standing for the National Anthem. There is then an opportunity for photographs to be taken and light refreshments are served.

Each applicant receives a Home Office information pack with his or her certificate.

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