MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK unveils new plan for foreigners to “earn” nationality

Details of a new deal for foreigners who want to take British citizenship are being announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. A Green Paper will propose that people who want to take UK nationality will have to prove a number of new requirements, and “earn” their citizenship.

The deal is expected to focus on learning the English language and obeying the law. Immigration minister Liam Byrne has previously highlighted a scheme introduced by France in July 2006 which requires foreigners to sign a "welcome and integration contract". Mr Byrne has also pointed out that Australia has introduced citizenship tests like those brought in by the UK, and that the country has introduced a compulsory "values statement" for visa applicants. The new "Path to Citizenship" Green Paper will focus on foreigners already living in Britain who want to become UK nationals, rather than on people outside Britain who are seeking to enter the country. Under current rules, people taking British citizenship are required to take an oath of allegiance or a pledge at a public ceremony, and learn English, Welsh or Gaelic to certain standards. They also have to pass a citizenship test, which contains questions about British traditions, government and laws. The paper may look at introducing English language tests for migrants who arrive after marrying British citizens. Reports have claimed the Green Paper would propose extending the qualification time for citizenship from five years to six.