Government updates information pack for British citizens of Chagossian descent

The UK government updated "Chagossian British citizens and the UK: information pack" on 30 October 2026. It was first published on 29 August 2023. The guidance was prepared jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Home Office. It is aimed at British citizens of Chagossian descent who are considering moving to the UK or have recently arrived.

Documents and travel

Before travelling, every family member must have the right documentation. This means British citizenship with either a British passport or a certificate of entitlement, or a visa or other immigration permission to live in the UK.

Only direct descendants of someone born in the British Indian Ocean Territory (the Chagos Archipelago) can use the Chagossian citizenship route. These may include children, grandchildren and later direct descendants. The guidance says the route does not cover spouses, siblings, aunts, uncles or cousins.

People who are not British citizens should obtain permission before they travel. They should not rely on a decision at the border, and family members without the right documents may be refused entry. Mauritian nationals without permission to live, work or study in the UK normally need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). It is permission to travel, not a right to settle, and does not guarantee entry.

Housing and money

The guidance stresses that there is no specific housing offer for people arriving by this route. You must arrange your own accommodation before travelling and should not assume social housing will be available. Even where someone is eligible for help, waiting lists are long and a wait of several years is possible.

Support for new arrivals involves a "habitual residence" test. The law sets no minimum period, but decision-makers generally look for 1–3 months of continuous actual residence.

British citizenship also does not automatically qualify someone for every benefit straight after arrival. Some benefits require a set period of residence or proof that the UK is your main home. The authors advise having enough money to support your family while claims are processed.

Health, work and services

British citizens can use NHS services, but must be lawfully and properly settled in the UK to receive all of them free of charge. For specialist services they may be asked for evidence of ordinary residence, such as a tenancy agreement, bills, a mortgage or a job offer. In England the charge for a prescription, where no exemption applies, is £9.90 per item. Dental and eye care can also be chargeable.

Family members who are not British citizens, for example a Mauritian spouse, may not get all NHS services free. They should follow visa rules and, where required, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

The second part of the document is a practical guide to living in the UK. It covers National Insurance numbers, tax and PAYE, opening a bank account, childcare and schools, adult education, driving, and protection from discrimination and domestic abuse. You can start work before receiving an NI number if you can prove your right to work, but you should apply as soon as possible. A provisional driving licence requires, among other things, at least 185 days of legal residence in the UK in the previous 12 months.

The document also points to separate sources of information for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where the rules differ.