New citizenship rules for migrants

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Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she wanted to end the situation where foreign nationals "languish in limbo" by living in the country but not adapting to the British way of life.

Even the ultra-wealthy - who can currently avoid some of the conditions imposed on less well-off immigrants - will be expected to apply for British nationality or permanent residence.

"I would want to see a larger proportion of those that are here moving to full British citizenship," said Ms Smith.

"You will not be able to languish in limbo. Once your period of temporary residence comes to an end you will need to apply for the next stage or leave."

Winning citizenship will take at least six years from the point someone arrives in the UK, a year longer than at present because of a new stage of "probationary citizenship".

The probation period will last 12 months if the foreigner takes part in community activities such as volunteering, charity fund-raising, running a sports team or playgroup, or working as a school governor.

Migrants who do not take part in community work will have to wait longer - the existing five years plus a minimum of three years' probation. This type of community work may even be made compulsory, said a Green Paper. The rules will not apply to Europeans - including those from the eastern European countries which recently joined the EU.

Meanwhile, the Government is to introduce English tests for foreigners who plan to marry British citizens and settle in the UK.

The unexpected move is likely to have a significant impact on new spouses from certain parts of the Commonwealth, particularly the Indian sub-continent.