This Bill is designed to liberalise the nationality requirements for civil servants. Its provisions would amend the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Aliens (Restrictions) Act 1919. These Acts, combined with EC legislation, have led to the restriction of recruitment to certain areas of the Civil Service to UK nationals. The Bill has Government support and would give individuals the opportunity, irrespective of their nationality, to be considered for the vast majority of posts in the Civil Service, and for other posts of employment under the Crown. The Bill's sponsor has presented earlier versions of the Bill since session 2002-03 without success.
House of Commons
30 October 2008
The Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill would remove nationality-based limits for most Civil Service and Crown posts, allowing non-UK nationals to be considered for these roles. It would amend the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Aliens (Restrictions) Act 1919 to liberalise recruitment, aiming to align with EC legislation in force at the time. The government supports the bill, which has been reintroduced by its sponsor in multiple sessions since 2002-03 but has not previously passed.
The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to Committee stage and then further stages in both Houses.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
