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For all those of you planning to apply for a British citizenship, things may become tough as they have to earn it.
The British government plans to introduce a point-based system for migrants and the country wants to simplify the immigration and citizenship law.
Immigration minister, Liam Bryne, has come out with a consultation paper on the matter a day after he proposed changes along with his Cabinet colleague, Ruth Kelly.
However, experts say this is cause for some worry.
Says Member of Parliament, Leicester East, Keith Vaz, "I can't quite understand why he wants to do this. But after all, these are only proposals, these are his views and we all have a chance to comment on these proposals over the next few months, before the government finally comes to a conclusion."
Under the present system, a person is eligible for citizenship after living in the country five years. They also have to pass a citizenship test called 'Life in the UK' test.
The other requirement is proficiency in the English language.
The new system could change all that and there are those who say that one should tread cautiously.
"I think there is an element of alarm going around the chattering classes and papers of India - if i can call it that. This is at present merely a think tank proposal - Left wing think tank," says immigration lawyer, Philip Trott.
'Don't take citizenship for granted, earn it', seems to be the message from the British Immigration minister who has launched an initial consultation paper on simplifying the citizenship law.
What will the new system be and how will that impact on thousands of migrant workers including many from India, remains to be seen.
The British government plans to introduce a point-based system for migrants and the country wants to simplify the immigration and citizenship law.
Immigration minister, Liam Bryne, has come out with a consultation paper on the matter a day after he proposed changes along with his Cabinet colleague, Ruth Kelly.
However, experts say this is cause for some worry.
Says Member of Parliament, Leicester East, Keith Vaz, "I can't quite understand why he wants to do this. But after all, these are only proposals, these are his views and we all have a chance to comment on these proposals over the next few months, before the government finally comes to a conclusion."
Under the present system, a person is eligible for citizenship after living in the country five years. They also have to pass a citizenship test called 'Life in the UK' test.
The other requirement is proficiency in the English language.
The new system could change all that and there are those who say that one should tread cautiously.
"I think there is an element of alarm going around the chattering classes and papers of India - if i can call it that. This is at present merely a think tank proposal - Left wing think tank," says immigration lawyer, Philip Trott.
'Don't take citizenship for granted, earn it', seems to be the message from the British Immigration minister who has launched an initial consultation paper on simplifying the citizenship law.
What will the new system be and how will that impact on thousands of migrant workers including many from India, remains to be seen.
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