Home Secretary Sajid Javid has indicated that the newborn son of Shamima Begum will retain his British citizenship, despite the government's decision to strip Begum of her UK nationality. Speaking in the House of Commons, Javid stated that children should not suffer as a result of their parents' actions, and that the loss of a parent's citizenship does not affect the rights of the child.
Begum's son, Jarrah, was born on Saturday, just days before the Home Office sent a letter notifying her family of the order to remove her British citizenship. The baby's father is a Dutch Islamic State fighter whom Begum married in Syria. According to immigration lawyer Chris Cole, the child is automatically a British citizen by descent, as citizenship can be passed down one generation to children born abroad.
Cole noted that either of Begum's parents could apply for a British passport for the child, allowing him to come to the UK, though practical difficulties exist. The child may also be eligible for Dutch citizenship, depending on whether the Netherlands recognises the parents' marriage. Begum and her baby remain detained in a camp controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, while her husband is imprisoned elsewhere.
Kurdish officials have stated that Begum cannot leave without governmental assistance, and Bangladesh has not yet taken steps to help. The Bangladeshi foreign ministry is aware of the case but has not been approached by Begum's representatives. Meanwhile, Begum's family lawyer has vowed to launch a legal challenge, arguing that the UK has made her effectively stateless. Javid insisted that his actions complied with international law, despite criticism from opposition MPs who highlighted previous cases where the government was found to have acted unlawfully.
