Menu
03/08/2009
Immigration Passport Points System Unveiled
Immigrants who want to take on British citizenship will have to earn points to qualify for a passport under new government plans unveiled by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
The new system will see migrants obtaining points by doing voluntary work, paying taxes, speaking English or having useful skills. Bad behaviour will result in the deduction of points.
At present British nationality is awarded almost automatically to anyone who has lived in Britain for five years without having a criminal record.
The news proposals would mean it could take up to 10 years for a migrant to become eligible for UK citizenship.
The points scheme is currently in place for temporary migrants from outside the EU who want to work in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the consultation launch Mr Johnson said: "No longer will there be an automatic link between temporary work and becoming a permanent UK citizen."
A Home Office spokesman said: "The points-based system has already proved to be a powerful tool for controlling migration for the benefit of British people and the economy. We have already announced our intention to consult on applying these principles to the path to citizenship.
"New laws require migrants to earn citizenship by playing by the rules, speaking English and contributing to the community. We intend to consult on how we can further strengthen these reforms and provide flexibility for the Government to respond to the changing economic needs of the country."
Home Office research showed an 8% rise in applications for British citizenship in 2007. Some forecasts show the UK population could rise to 70 million.
Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green said: "This is pure spin. There never has been an automatic right to British citizenship. It is simply that this Government that has let an unprecedented number of people obtain citizenship, issuing someone with a British passport every five minutes.
"This is an act of desperation by a Government that knows it has let immigration run out of control for more than a decade."
(GK/BMcC)
The new system will see migrants obtaining points by doing voluntary work, paying taxes, speaking English or having useful skills. Bad behaviour will result in the deduction of points.
At present British nationality is awarded almost automatically to anyone who has lived in Britain for five years without having a criminal record.
The news proposals would mean it could take up to 10 years for a migrant to become eligible for UK citizenship.
The points scheme is currently in place for temporary migrants from outside the EU who want to work in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the consultation launch Mr Johnson said: "No longer will there be an automatic link between temporary work and becoming a permanent UK citizen."
A Home Office spokesman said: "The points-based system has already proved to be a powerful tool for controlling migration for the benefit of British people and the economy. We have already announced our intention to consult on applying these principles to the path to citizenship.
"New laws require migrants to earn citizenship by playing by the rules, speaking English and contributing to the community. We intend to consult on how we can further strengthen these reforms and provide flexibility for the Government to respond to the changing economic needs of the country."
Home Office research showed an 8% rise in applications for British citizenship in 2007. Some forecasts show the UK population could rise to 70 million.
Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green said: "This is pure spin. There never has been an automatic right to British citizenship. It is simply that this Government that has let an unprecedented number of people obtain citizenship, issuing someone with a British passport every five minutes.
"This is an act of desperation by a Government that knows it has let immigration run out of control for more than a decade."
(GK/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 October 2005
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
02 July 2003
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
26 February 2004
UK's first immigrant citizenship ceremony held in London borough
The UK's first-ever citizenship ceremony is being held in the London borough of Brent today, with Prince of Wales on hand to present certificates and a commemorative medal to the new Britons.
UK's first immigrant citizenship ceremony held in London borough
The UK's first-ever citizenship ceremony is being held in the London borough of Brent today, with Prince of Wales on hand to present certificates and a commemorative medal to the new Britons.
28 January 2013
New Revised Citizenship Test Unveiled
A new revised version of the UK citizenship test has been revealed by the Home Office, who have said it, "focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British".
New Revised Citizenship Test Unveiled
A new revised version of the UK citizenship test has been revealed by the Home Office, who have said it, "focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British".
04 September 2003
Immigrants could soon sit test on ‘Britishness’
Proposals unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett could see immigrants in the UK having to undergo a test of their “Britishness”. If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
Immigrants could soon sit test on ‘Britishness’
Proposals unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett could see immigrants in the UK having to undergo a test of their “Britishness”. If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
