The Home Office have produced a May 2018 (pdf) guidance explaining the Windrush Scheme which aims to support the people who arrived in the UK many years ago and do not have documentation to confirm their immigration status.
The Windrush scheme will enable the government to begin processing citizenship applications for the Windrush generation – Commonwealth nationals who settled in the UK before 1973 – free of charge.
The Scheme also covers the government’s commitment to help members of the Windrush generation who are looking to return to the UK having spent recent years back in their home countries.
Those applying under this Scheme will benefit from the services of the Taskforce which will help people to navigate the immigration system and will continue to take a sympathetic and proactive approach when resolving applications.
The Windrush Scheme does not cover applications for a British passport.
Home Secretary, Sajid Javid said:
I am clear that we need to make the process for people to confirm their right to be in the UK or put their British citizenship on a legal footing as easy as possible. That is why I have launched a dedicated scheme which brings together our rights, obligations and offers to these people into one place.
I want to swiftly put right the wrongs that have been done to this generation and am committed to doing whatever it takes to make this happen
The Windrush scheme starts on 30 May 2018.
