Solicitor claims earned citizenship benefits the community

Marian Dixon, a solicitor with the Birmingham law firm Wright Hassall’s immigration division has stated that the move away from issuing UK visa based on time served in the country towards earned citizenship is beneficial to the greater community.

In the past, people who have been in the UK on work visa could automatically apply for citizenship. The same applied to foreign nationals who had resided in Britain that were married to a British citizen or permanent resident.

However, the transition to the controversial points-based system which was complemented by the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2009 meant an end to automatic qualification and instead resulted in individuals having to earn their right to citizenship.

The points-based system was introduced in 2008 for all people applying for a UK Work Permit or UK Visa. Its strict regulations have now been scheduled to be imposed on the granting of citizenship which theoretically makes the decision making process easier for immigration officials as they will be able to determine the benefit of the applicant against the needs of the economy and the country.

The proposed move would also see probationary citizenship granted to those who qualified under the old rules while their cases are assessed. The probationary period may last for up to five years.

Individual applicants will be able to enhance their claims for citizenship by volunteering for community based projects such as volunteer work.

Ms Dixon has welcomed the move claiming the new changes would make assimilation into the British community easier for potential citizens as it rewards those who take a position of responsibility in the community. The move is thought to be of particular benefit to business owners who can look forward to increased workplace relations.