Ceremony is red letter day for six
Six Island residents have begun a new era as fully-fledged British citizens, after completing a long journey through the Isle of Man immigration system.
Four women and two men were formally 'naturalised' at a unique British Citizenship Ceremony in Douglas last week, making them eligible for British passports.
Foreign nationals from China, India, the Philippines, the United States of America, Pakistan and the Ukraine, took the landmark step - which for some meant relinquishing their nationality of birth.
Candidates chose whether to swear an Oath of Allegiance or pledge Affirmation of Allegiance before the Lieutenant Governor's representative Pauline Pescodd, at formal proceedings in Legislative Buildings.
All had been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain, after fulfilling a raft of immigration requirements over more than six years.
They were also required to demonstrate knowledge of life and language in the United Kingdom and Islands.
In this feature-length report, Senior Officer at the Nationality, Immigration and Passports Office Annie Taylor described the process to Marian Kenny:
