British or Not

[casalavanda]

I was Born in Southern Rhodesia... 1948 a British subject in the Crown's Dominions, then, when the nationality act changed three months later I became a British subject without Citizenship. my mother was born in the UK However, my sisters and brother were British Subjects and Citizens by virtue of the fact that they were born after January 1949!!!!

But then I became a citizen of Zimbabwe when they got independence –I have Right of Abode, and I think I saw a section that said if one already had Right of abode and had a mother born in the UK that could mean that one could apply for naturalization and receive a British passport but what I don't know is whether I have to be living in the UK to do this. Also wish to know if having children who are now British Citizens makes it any easier for me...
Any assistance gratefully appreciated

[Backer]

If you had a British mother who was born in the UK then you can now register as a British Citizen (by descent):

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... ishmother/

Alternatively, If you were born outside the United Kingdom before 1 January 1983, you became a British citizen if, immediately before that date, you were a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies and had the right of abode in the United Kingdom:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... noverseas/

[casalavanda]

Thank you for the reply it's all very confusing and all help from everyone is gratefully appreciated

The British nationality Act of 1948 is my bugbear, because it did not come into effect until Jan 1949 and that is what prevented me from registering as a British citizen before!!! Was only a baby My 'wrong' birthdate!!!

[Backer]

If you had a British mother who was born in the UK then you can now register as a British Citizen (by descent):

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/briti ... ishmother/