UK to tighten rules for immigrants to get British citizenship

LONDON: The UK plans to unveil tougher citizenship rules under which immigrants will have to "earn" their right to stay by integrating themselves fully to the British society, including acquiring a sound knowledge of English.

Under the proposed changes to rules, immigrants will have to "earn" the right to a passport rather than simply achieving it through five years' residence. The measure will end the automatic right to stay and replace it with a new system of "earned citizenship" and temporary residence.

The latest measure announced by the Home office proposes that immigrants making little effort to integrate into the British society will have to wait longer for citizenship.

Immigrants convicted of serious criminal offences could be barred from citizenship and those found guilty of minor crimes may face delays in having their applications processed.

Those seeking citizenship will have to demonstrate a good ability in English and a knowledge of life in Britain.

Immigrants who do no voluntary work will qualify only after eight years and those who become unemployed will be asked to leave.

The government proposes to levy a top-up fee on immigrants to create a fund expected to run to 20 million pounds. Cash from the fund will be districted to local authorities facing short-term pressure because of an influx of migrants.

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