A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the removal of general restrictions as to nationality which apply to persons employed or holding office in any civil capacity under the Crown; and for connected purposes
The Bill would remove nationality restrictions from employment in the civil service. These restrictions date back to section 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701. The provisions would open up all employment under the Crown to all nationalities, subject to certain positions selected by Ministers which would require restrictions. The Bill does not deal with work permits and does not affect requirements for non-UK nationals to obtain leave to work in the UK.
House of Commons
9 November 2009
The Crown Employment (Nationality) Bill would remove most nationality restrictions on who can be employed or hold civil service roles under the Crown. It would open Crown employment to all nationalities, with Ministers able to keep restrictions for certain roles; it does not cover work permits or general leave-to-work rules for non-UK nationals.
The bill is at report stage in the Commons. If it progresses, it would pass through the remaining parliamentary stages in both Houses.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was on the Order Paper for a Report Stage debate on 16 October but there was not enough time for debate on that day.
This Bill has since been withdrawn by its sponsor, Mr Andrew Dismore.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
