Nightmare - what can we do?

[HelpingMyHusband]

The CoT is not recognised in many countries. We could not go to Spain with it in 2015.

It is not really worth the paper it is printed on.

[razergd1]

Certificate of travel is recognized by all EU countries as long as the holder is settled in the UK.

For a person with temporary leave it is recognized by most EU countries.

The fact that it is recognized means that you can use it to apply for a Schengen visa, if he meets the requirements then a combination of COT with the correct visa will allow you to travel.
Note that most of the world population is inadmissible to Europe without a visa, so in practice the travel freedom is still there even though the mobility is low.

Granting citizenship for a foreigner is in most cases a discretionary decision. A blanket citizenship ban for illegal entrants meets the common law principle, so it is a fair government decision.

Just a disclaimer, the fact that it is fair does not reflect anything on my opinion. It just means that in my view and understanding this decision meets common law principles and hence it is within the rights of the government to set this policy.

[HelpingMyHusband]

A CoT is not recognised in Egypt. In order to get an eVisa the website for ordering visas states an "ordinary passport" is the only passport accepted.

I.e. for a Libyan with no recourse to a Libyan passport (for all the reasons previously described) an ordinary British passport acquired through British citizenship is our only hope.

If we cannot get British citizenship (with the passport) it is not unrealistic to assume my husband will never be able to see his parents in Libya again. Egypt is the closest country to travel to that would allow us to see his family in a safe third country.

[HelpingMyHusband]

Anyway, after received ILR in on 12th March this year, we have decided to take the risk and apply for an exceptional/discretionary grant of British citizenship via a lawyer.

For all the reasons mentioned above, and for the sake of our children, we hope it will be granted and £3500 spent on lawyer fees and the new application fee for British naturalisation will not have been spent in vain.

I wish all the very best for other families trapped in the same situation as us. May you be granted citizenship and lasting security in the country you have made your home