Woolas announces points based system for citizenship

Labour’s Border and Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, has announced plans for a new Points Based System for Citizenship.

The plan would see would-be citizens given points for things such as economic contribution, skills and English language proficiency above the level already expected. Points could be removed for breaking the law or committing anti-social behaviour.

The system will give the Government more control over the number of people allowed to settle permanently in the UK – allowing changes to be made according to the needs of the country and economy.

Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:

“The Government has already made fundamental reforms to the immigration system to control migration in a way that is firm, and has a positive impact on our workforce and economy.

“To complement this, we have made it clear people must earn their right to stay in the UK permanently by working hard, obeying the law and speaking English.

“Being British is a privilege - these proposals break the link between coming to work here temporarily and being given the right to citizenship.”