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September 2009

UK amends citizenship rules

By Raman Jokhakar, Tarunkumar Singhal, Chartered Accountants
Reading Time 1 mins
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  1. UK amends citizenship rules

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.

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 the English language test (10 points).

To gain full citizenship applicants must pass
knowledge of life in the UK or an English language test. Those who have failed
either test will have to retake it.

(Source : Business Standard, 5-8-2009)

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