The entry into force of the Diego Garcia treaty signifies a determining evolution in the citizenship rights of the Chagossians. While existing citizenship is preserved, the future citizenship landscape is subject to significant changes that depend on legislative developments.

– No Change to Current Citizenship:

Chagossians who already hold British citizenship retain their status, and the right to acquire British citizenship remains unchanged.

– New Application Route:

Since 2022, people of Chagossian descent have had a specific five-year period to register as British citizens, addressing long-standing grievances that previously excluded grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those born on the islands.

– British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC):

There will be future changes to the right to claim BOTC through a connection to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), but these will only take effect once primary and secondary legislation is in place.

Click on the following link for more details:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/citizenship-rights-for-chagossians-update-15-july-2025