Right of abode

The Immigration Act 1971 distinguished people with the right of abode—the right to live in and enter Britain without immigration restrictions—from those who needed permission. Being a citizen of the UK and Colonies no longer necessarily meant having unrestricted access to Britain.

Patrials had the right of abode: they could live in Britain and enter or leave without immigration restrictions. Non-patrials needed permission to enter, work and settle; work permits could limit the duration of their stay. The distinction placed greater weight on connections with Britain rather than membership of the Commonwealth.