Registration Service Information

In 2004 the Government introduced a requirement for all  persons over the age of 18 applying for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen to take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony.  Other countries (such as the USA , Australia and Canada ) have similar ceremonies.

The Government believes that those becoming British Citizens should positively embrace the diversity of background, cultures and faiths that living in the UK involves, and by taking a citizenship oath they will be encouraged to play an active role in society, and feel a sense of belonging to a wider community.

Southend-on-Sea Registration Service provides Citizenship Ceremonies.  Group ceremonies take place, but individual ceremonies are offered for an additional fee.

Ceremonies begin with a speech of welcome by the Registration Officer (or his/her deputy), who will conduct the ceremony, followed by the Mayor (or his/her deputy) explaining what it means to become a British Citizen, as well as giving information about the local community and ceremony venue.

The taking of a new citizenship oath and pledge will be a legal requirement, and this is the key moment when citizenship is conferred.  New citizens will then be called up one at a time to receive their certificate and information pack.  At this point an official commemorative photograph can be taken. 

The nationality certificate will be presented by the Mayor or his/her Deputy on behalf of the Home Secretary, and can subsequently be used to support passport applications and to prove the individual is a British Citizen.

The ceremony will end with a closing speech and the playing of the national anthem.