Citizenship

The Home Office have recently made announcements about the Migration Advisory Committee Consultation and the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK at Settlement Stage.

Those seeking permanent settlement in the United Kingdom should demonstrate a knowledge of the English language and of life in the United Kingdom, as those seeking British nationality are already obliged to do. This requirement will come into force on 2 April next year.

Knowledge of English increases both employment prospects and the ease with which people can carry out their day to day lives in this country. Knowledge of life in the United Kingdom will help those who settle here gain a greater appreciation of the civic and political dimensions of life here, as well as giving them practical help and support in areas such as the law, housing, education and engaging with the wider community.

In 2004 the Government introduced the language requirement for people wanting to obtain British nationality. In 2005, they introduced a second requirement that prospective citizens should show they know something of life in the UK.  The citizenship testing system they introduced last November has worked well and has attracted considerable interest in other countries; Australia, for example, has recently published a public consultation document on the possible introduction of a similar system there.




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