Legal Gateway Solicitors Blog

Tough new points system announced for earning British citizenship

03-08-09 Posted In: Immigration

The UK Border Agency has now announced further details as to the new Points Based Test System to be introduced for citizenship.  Migrants will be awarded points for building up different attributes and skills.  Proposals being launched in a new consultation would see people rewarded for economic contributions, skills and English language proficiency above the level already expected.  Points could be removed and citizenship withheld or delayed for those breaking the law or committing anti-social behaviour.

A key principal of this earned citizenship system is to build community cohesion through encouraging community involvement through “active citizenship”.  The Government wants to support integration by encouraging community activities.  Therefore a migrant’s journey to citizenship will be sped up if they conduct voluntary or civic work.  As part of a new 12-week consultation, the Government is working closely with Local Authorities to ensure any voluntary or community work being undertaken by Applicants is checked and verified.

Under the current system those wanting citizenship have to pass a Life in the UK Test to demonstrate both their knowledge of the country and their ability to speak English.  The Government is proposing tightening this even further with a new two stage system.  This will focus on practical information about Life in the UK at probationary citizenship stage, and then a further test at the final stage with more challenging topics including history and politics.

It is envisaged that the new Rules for citizenship will come into force around the end of 2009.  In the event that you are eligible to apply for citizenship at this juncture, you are strongly urged to seek legal advice now, prior to the proposed tightening of the Rules in this regard.

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