Closed petition: Abolish the requirement for two referees in the British citizenship application

Closed on 30 July 2025

We, the undersigned, call upon the UK Government to abolish the requirement for two referees in the British citizenship application. We believe this system is outdated and should be replaced with a fairer and more inclusive method that does not rely on personal connections.

We believe this requirement, while seemingly a minor administrative measure, disproportionately impacts applicants and creates an unnecessary barrier to naturalization. Applicants may struggle to find individuals who meet the stringent referee requirements. We think referees add an additional layer of bureaucracy that does not significantly enhance the Home Office's ability to assess applications. Technology and modern administrative practices could offer alternative ways to verify identity and character.