UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Points based system for UK citizenship

Wednesday, 5 August 2009

Plans to introduce a points based eligibility system for UK citizenship were unveiled by the Government this week.

The new points based system ('PBS') for citizenship would act as an extension of the existing PBS for both UK work and study visas and would see potential citizens awarded points for various factors including economic contributions, professional skills, advanced English language proficiency and volunteering contributions ('active citizenship'). Points could also be deducted and citizenship either delayed or withheld for those found breaking the law or engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Building on the concept of 'earned citizenship' introduced in the recent Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, the citizenship PBS would give the government greater control over those permitted to settle in the UK permanently, allowing the requirements to be raised or lowered depends on the nation's needs.

Announcing the proposed plans, Border and Immigration Minister, Mr Phil Woolas said:

"The Government has already made fundamental reforms to the immigration system to control migration in a way that is firm, and has a positive impact on our workforce and economy."

"To complement this, we have made it clear people must earn their right to stay in the UK permanently by working hard, obeying the law and speaking English."

"Being British is a privilege – these proposals break the link between coming to work here temporarily and being given the right to citizenship."

Although further details of the proposals weren't immediately available, they will be put out for both public and political consultation.

In 2009, England, which receives the majority of the UK's migrants, is expected to overtake the Netherlands as Europe's most densely population country.

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.