The UK government provides a range of support to people who were born on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago and their descendants (‘Chagossians’). This includes community projects in the UK and Mauritius as well as a route to get British citizenship.

Chagossian records

The British Indian Ocean Territory Administration has published the records it holds of the births, marriages, and deaths of people living on on BIOT / the Chagos Archipelago. Those involved in the administration of the Chagos Archipelago made these records, which cover the years from 1878 to 1971.

You can search the records on Chagossian records website,. noteYou that you will need to register first.

Working on Diego Garcia

There are a range of job opportunities on Diego Garcia open to British, Mauritian and Seychellois citizens. People in these jobs live on the island and support the US Navy base operating there by managing facilities, maintaining vehicles, and providing administrative support.

KBR Inc is the main contractor responsible for recruiting and managing support staff at the base. You can review and apply for job vacancies on KBR’s website, which is updated regularly.

In November 2022, the UK government launched a new British nationality route for individuals of Chagossian descent. It allows them to become British citizens free of charge, and to build their future in the UK should they wish to.

If you have any queries relating to the citizenship process that the guidance does not cover, you can also email ChagossianEnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.

You can use these links to apply for citizenship: