London: The automatic right for non-EU
citizens including Indians to apply for a British passport
after working in the UK for five years has been ended with the
introduction of 'probationary citizenship', under which they
must demonstrate commitment to the country through voluntary
work and integration.
The new proposals unveiled yesterday by the government go
a step further. Migrants will be awarded points based on the
skills shortages in Britain and their earnings and
qualifications.
They will have to wait longer to gain citizenship.
There is a double benefit in the requirements to
demonstrate a commitment to Britain and a willingness to play
a part in community life. These allow the authorities to judge
a person's economic potential and contribution to society.
Crucially, migrants will be helped to settle in, a particular
challenge for people learning a new culture.
Points could also be removed for "bad" behaviour.
Under the new system, applicants for citizenship require
a total of 20 points to gain probationary citizenship either
through the work route -- meeting the immigration rules (10
points) and passing knowledge of life in the UK or English
language test (10 points).
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, August 04, 2009, 19:55