The UK government has
announced the latest development in the clean-up of immigration policy. Individuals wishing to apply for citizenship will not only be required to meet mandatory requirements such as proving their English language ability, but they will also be required to ‘… pay a little extra before they become citizens.’
Border and Immigration Minister Mr 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.
"The public overwhelmingly supports the idea of newcomers earning their right to stay. Today we show how we'll make these ideas law, hand in hand with our new points system for selective migration, like the one that's worked so well in Australia."
A poll carried out by the Home Office revealed UK citizens were overwhelmingly in favour of would-be citizens ‘earning the right’ to stay in Britain as well as being required to learn English. The majority also agrees that those who commit offenses and don’t adhere to UK law should be penalised on their route to UK citizenship.
What this means in a nutshell is:
- Powers for the border officials to cancel visas.
- Tougher civil penalties for those who bring passengers to the UK without the correct documentation.
- Imposing a clear legal duty on individuals to ensure they have the correct permission for their trip to the UK.
- The power to expel those without permission.
- Migrants will need to earn the right to remain in the UK.
- Expulsion of individuals who do not adhere to UK law and automatic bans on their return. Those who are expelled and later allowed to return could be require to repay costs to taxpayers.
- The possibility of large 'bail bonds' for those awaiting decisions or expulsion.
- Civil penalties for employers who employ illegal workers without making the necessary checks – i.e. for employers employing individuals on Work Permits.
- A simpler appeals system to ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups are respected: honoring international obligations to refugees and ensuring the UKBA safeguards and promotes the welfare of children.
- Citizens and permanent residents will have full access to benefits whilst migrants will contribute a little extra to the cost of local services.