UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK Citizenship rules for New Migrants

Tuesday, 22 July 2008

The British Government has announced that foreign nationals wishing to become British citizens will have to earn the right to stay.

The tough new approach will require all migrants to speak English and obey the law if they want to gain citizenship and stay permanently in Britain, while speeding up the path to citizenship for those who contribute to the community.

"In recent months we have listened to people across Britain and the message is clear -- they want those who want to make Britain their home to speak English, to work hard, and to earn the right to stay here," said Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

"We are making the biggest changes to our immigration system for a generation, and part of that is making sure those who stay in the UK make a positive impact on their local community," she added.

The draft Immigration and Citizenship Bill that has been published replaces ten Acts of Parliament and enshrines into law the government's biggest ever shake-up of the immigration system. It gives new powers for frontline UK Border Agency officers at foreign ports and airports to cancel visas, consolidating civil penalties for bringing passengers without the right papers and clandestine entrants to the country.

The Bill proposes a clear legal duty on migrants to ensure they have permission to be in Britain, for example under our new points system, requiring those who are expelled to repay costs to taxpayers if they are allowed to come back.

Under the new bill, those awaiting decisions or expulsion will provide large 'bail bonds' as an alternative to detention; illegal immigration will be dealt with civil penalties for employers who do not make the necessary checks.

The Home Office also confirmed that newcomers will have to pay a little extra before they become citizens to create a fund of tens of millions of pounds a year to help police, schools, councils and local health services to use the money to deal with the short-term pressures of migration in their areas.

Foreign nationals who commit serious offenses will face automatic consideration for deportation -- and even minor offenses will delay access to citizenship by up to three years.

Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said "Britain is not anti-foreigner, we're a welcoming, tolerant place. But we do expect newcomers to sign up to a deal if they want to stay and build a life in Britain.”

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.