New points-based system introduced to grant British citizenship

People who want to become British citizens could speed it up by becoming active members of political parties or trade unions, the government told the BBC.

Migrants would have to earn points for citizenship under the new system rather than getting an automatic right to apply for citizenship after five years working in the UK.

The government also take their “behaviours” into consideration when they are applying for citizenship, which means the “bad behaviours” would hinder their journey to British citizenship.

The conservative dismiss the plans as “pure spin”.

In previous years, Immigration Minister Phil Woolas told the BBC, migrants who have worked in the UK for five years have had the automatic right to apply for a British passport, which was usually granted.

However, according to the new immigration rules under the measures in the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act, migrants will have to spend five years as temporary residents, before becoming “probationary citizens”.

Regarding how the points can be earned, according to the BBC, it suggests being actively involved in the democratic life – such as being a school governor or participating trade union activities – could reduce the probationary time.

Refugees and spouses of migrants already in the UK will have their points assessed on “the basis of their continuing family relationship or protection needs”.

However, economic migrants would face a new points test, which would take into account the UK’s economic needs.

The new rules also suggest if foreign workers head to Scotland or other areas “in need of further immigration”, it would be an advantage to claim the points.

Earning potential, special artistic or scientific skills, qualifications, occupations and English language abilities could also be rewarded, the Daily Telegraph reports.

The workers will be able to gain extra points if they bring their skills temporarily back to their home country, says the BBC.

A new test might also be introduced, there will be more challenging topics regarding historical and political issues in the British society.

For those who were “an active disregard for UK values is demonstrated” will lose their points when comes to apply for their British citizenship.

Mr Woolas told the BBC if someone is applying to be a citizen to the UK, the UK government is expecting this person not only obeys the law but also this person should be able to demonstrate oneself is committed to the UK.

However, the Lib Dem appeared to accuse the government of having “no idea how to deal with the hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants living in this country”.

Damian Green, the Shadow Immigration spokesman said: “This is an act of desperation by a government that knows it has let immigration run out of control for more than a decade."

Other arguments appeared on board including the protest issue. The ability of protest is the common right of UK citizens, how can the government prohibit their freedom of attending demonstration?

More interesting comments from former Conservative MP for Anglesey, Keith Best, who wrote to the Guardian, he says if the conservative party wins the general election in the near future, all these ideas and plans are dead in water.