The British Government has proposed major changes to the way foreign nationals, including Jamaicans, can achieve British citizenship.

A release from the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office said the proposed changes follow a consultation and a series of 'listening events' held last year. That research found that most people want new residents to speak English, pay their way, obey the law and give something back to their communities.

The government green paper proposes to build on those suggestions, starting with a 'citizenship contract' that would set out each new citizen's rights and responsibilities.

Other proposed changes include creating a three-stage route to citizenship, including a new 'probationary period', requiring immigrants to either show that they have contributed something to the UK, or leave the country.

Serious crimes

Additional proposals include denying public benefits to immigrants who have not received full citizenship; requiring immigrants to prove they can speak English, and barring those convicted of serious crimes from receiving citizenship. Fresh measures being put forward also require those convicted of minor crimes to spend more time on citizenship probation; requiring immigrants to contribute to a fund devoted to managing the impact of immigration; and, speeding up the citizenship process for immigrants who get involved in their local communities through voluntary work.

In a speech, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he expects even tougher tests for citizenship in the future, with a clear set of responsibilities set out at each stage of the immigration process.

He described the proposed three-stage immigration system as entry as a temporary resident; time as a probationary citizen; and, full citizenship.

Brown said that all new residents, whether they were working in the UK under the points-based system or applying to stay permanently, will be expected to be able to speak English.

He also added that there would be further consultation on proposals to withhold some benefits and social housing from non-permanent residents.

Home Secretary Jackie Smith said the proposals were a part of sweeping changes to the British immigration policy, including a new points-based system to encourage highly skilled immigrants to move in the UK, as well as stronger border controls to ensure that it is harder for illegal immigrants to enter the country in the first place.

She said the reforms would be backed up by a single piece of legislation, which would replace all existing immigration laws. This new law will be introduced to Parliament in November.