British Citizenship Test To Be Implemented
20/02/2008
Migrants would be required to take and pass a test about the UK to "prove their worth" to the country in order for them to become British citizens.
According to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith "migrants would need to demonstrate their contribution to society beyond simply working and paying taxes".
Ms Smith who unveiled the proposals said, "Reforming how people become citizens was the unfinished business of the UK's migration system". The UK immigration law is undergoing immense changes and this latest change proposes that future immigrants will need to "earn" their citizenship through a series of tests and requirements.
This new system will see an end to the current system which allows aspiring British citizens to apply for neutralisation on the basis of how long they have lived in the UK. The immigration test is part of the Government's strategy to ensure that those who wish to acquire British citizenship are fully integrated into life in the UK.
The Home Secretary also stated that migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) would no longer have a preference of living in the UK without becoming more accustomed and integrated within UK society over time.
The new citizenship requirement will also produce a fund whereby immigrants who have the desire to live and work in the UK permanently will directly impact. The new citizenship law proposal includes:
- Visa fees will increase under the special "transitional impact" fund
- More English language testing ahead of nationality
- Applicants required to prove integration into communities
- Increase the length it takes to become British
Migrants with children or elderly relatives might pay higher application fees. They would also have access to the states benefits such as health care and education if they can prove that they are functioning well as citizens. To prove ones functionality, applicants would have to have proof of charity work, involvement in the local community and letters from referees.
Accordingly those who do break the country's law will find the process to be tough on them - or they could also be barred from completely becoming British.
"Our new deal for citizenship is clear and fair," said Ms Smith.
"The rights and benefits of citizenship will be available to those who can demonstrate a commitment to our shared values and a willingness to contribute to our community.
The Conservatives were not happy with the proposal and it is unclear whether this new proposal will take effect immediately on will be unwrapped in stages.
Global Visas has over a decade of experience as an immigration and visa consultancy. To find out if you are eligible for UK Citizenship Visa or any UK Visas take the free online assessment test to see if you're eligible.
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