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Social
Inclusion, Integration and Citizenship
Citizenship tests
The
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 added three new conditions
for naturalisation: sufficient knowledge of the language, of life
in the UK and attendance at a citizenship ceremony including
an oath of allegiance to the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the
UK. Prior to
this the requirements for naturalisation were five years residence
and good behaviour and while language proficiency was a condition,
the level required was not defined by law. Citizenship
ceremonies were introduced in 2004 and citizenship tests followed
in 2005. The introduction of a citizenship test mirrors the Government’s
new approach to integration with emphasis on creating a sense of shared
belonging and identity. Increased responsibilities are placed upon
migrants with citizenship regarded as a status that is “earned”,
not given. The scope of these requirements has since widened and from
April 2007, those applying for indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
must also prove knowledge of the language and the life in the UK.
To
pass the citizenship tests, those whose level of English is ESOL Entry
Level 3 or above can take a Life in the UK Test, a 45 minute, 24 multiple-choice
test on computer. The questions are taken from the handbook Life
in the United Kingdom:
A Journey to Citizenship. They cover topics such as the history
of migration, the changing role of women, UK
customs and traditions, and the structure and mechanism of government
and other public institutions. A combined course of ESOL and citizenship
classes is also available for those whose language proficiency is
below the ESOL Entry Level 3.
There
are concerns that many migrants will face difficulties in meeting
the citizenship’s language requirement when the Learning and
Skills Council cuts its ESOL provision in autumn 2007. Charities,
trade unions and educational institutions fear that this will further
hamper migrants’ social and economic integration.
For more on the citizenship tests:
Life
in the UK Test website
The
New and the Old: The report of the “Life in the United
Kingdom” Advisory Group,
Home Office (2003) (PDF)
The
Home Office, (2007) Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship 2nd
Edition, UK,
TSO
The
Border
and Immigration Agency
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