Madam Speaker, I am informed that a Bill entitled “Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill” was presented to the UK House of Commons and read for the first time on 15 July 2025. The purpose of the Bill is, inter-alia, to provide for the dissolution of the so-called “British Indian Ocean Territory”. As per the press release recently issued by the British High Commission, Chagossians’ British citizenship remains unaffected by the domestic law enacted by the UK Parliament to give effect, that is to the Agreement between Mauritius and the UK concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia. Madam Speaker, nothing in this Agreement between Mauritius and the UK on the Chagos Archipelago purports to adversely affect any citizenship rights that any Chagossians may be entitled to under the UK citizenship or nationality laws. For the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to recall that Mauritius has never recognized the so-called “British Indian Ocean Territory” which was purportedly created by the UK following this unlawful excision of the Chagos Archipelago from the territory of Mauritius prior to its accession to independence.

Yes! It’s alright! Yes, the hon. First Member for Savanne and Black River! ADSU – WESTERN DIVISION TEAM –– AREA UNDER JURISDICTION – OFFICERS & VEHICLES