BRITAIN: Britain is seeking to promote a more cohesive nation by requiring people wanting to live permanently in the country to pass a test in English as well as politics, history and culture.
Such tests have been required since 2004 for all those seeking British citizenship, but will be required from Monday for all those seeking permanent residence.
The test called “Life in the UK” is composed of 24 questions, including those about British history, the political system, customs, and citizens’ rights.
People wanting to become permanent residents could be asked questions like who is the head of the Church of England, when was Queen Elizabeth II crowned, or how many members does the Scottish parliament have.
Citzens of the European Union member countries, except Romania and Bulgaria, which face immigration quotas, will be able to continue to live and work in Britain without restriction.
The test will cost 34 pounds (50 euros) and the test review pamphlet which people are advised to buy will cost nearly 10 pounds (15 euros).
The Home Office said the measure will help immigrants contribute to the economy by increasing their employment prospects and making them more aware of their rights and responsibilities.
However, Habib Rahman, chief executive of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), was concerned abou the impact of the new requirements.
“From Monday applicants for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and naturalisation will pay double for their application fees,” he said.
“In particular the new ILR regime with its test requirements will make the integration of refugees and other vulnerable migrant groups harder,” Rahman added.
“The new rules could effectively deny UK settlement and citizenship to some of the children in these families indefinitely while the fees relative to these groups’ lower incomes are swingeing,” Rahman said.
Facing growing public concerns about immigration, Britain, which has been more open to immigration than many other European countries, is pursuing a strategy to limit the influx and avoid social divisions.
London, Sunday, AFP
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