Becoming a British citizen is a significant step, and the ceremony in Oakham where Rutland's Lord Lieutenant, Sarah Furness, welcomed new citizens from Romania, Brazil, Hungary, Malaysia, Turkey, The Gambia, and Algeria marks the culmination of a rigorous application process. Before reaching this special day, these individuals undertook several key steps to demonstrate their commitment and understanding of life in the UK.
Here's what these new citizens would have typically done and learned:
1. Meeting Eligibility Criteria and Applying
First and foremost, individuals seeking British citizenship must meet specific eligibility criteria based on their immigration status, length of residence in the UK, and character requirements. This usually involves:
Lawful Residence: Demonstrating a period of lawful residence in the UK, often for a certain number of years, without significant absences.
Good Character: Satisfying "good character" requirements, meaning they have not committed serious crimes or engaged in activities that would make them unsuitable for citizenship.
Intention to Reside: Showing an intention to continue living in the UK.
Once these fundamental criteria are met, they would have submitted a comprehensive application to the Home Office, providing detailed personal information and supporting documents.
2. Proving Knowledge of English Language
A crucial requirement for most adult applicants is to demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of the English language. This typically involves:
Approved English Language Test: Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at a minimum of B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) from an approved test centre. This test assesses speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Degree Taught in English: Alternatively, if they have a degree that was taught or researched in English, they may be exempt from taking a separate language test, provided they can prove this.
Exemptions: Certain individuals may be exempt from the English language requirement, such as those over 65, under 18, or with certain physical or mental conditions.
3. Passing the "Life in the UK" Test
To prove their "Knowledge of Life in the UK," applicants aged 18 to 64 must pass the "Life in the UK" test. This is a computer-based multiple-choice test consisting of 24 questions, and candidates must score at least 75% (18 correct answers) to pass. To prepare for this, new citizens would have meticulously studied the official "Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents" handbook. This handbook covers a wide range of topics, including:
British Values and Principles: Understanding the democratic principles, rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance.
History: Key historical events, figures, and periods that have shaped the UK.
Culture and Traditions: Aspects of British culture, sports, arts, and national holidays.
Politics and Government: The UK's political system, including Parliament, elections, and local government.
Everyday Life: Practical information about living in the UK, such as healthcare, education, and employment.
The test ensures that new citizens have a fundamental understanding of British society, its laws, and its way of life, promoting integration and participation in the community.
4. The Citizenship Ceremony: Oath of Allegiance and Pledge
After successfully completing all the above steps and receiving approval from the Home Office, the final step is the citizenship ceremony. This public event, like the one held in Oakham, is a formal and symbolic occasion. During the ceremony, the new citizens:
Take the Oath of Allegiance (or Affirmation): They publicly declare their loyalty to His Majesty the King, his Heirs and Successors, according to law. Those who prefer not to swear by God can make an affirmation.
Make the Pledge: They promise to give their loyalty to the United Kingdom, respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully, and fulfill their duties and obligations as a British citizen.
The ceremony also typically involves welcoming speeches from dignitaries like the Lord Lieutenant, the presentation of the Certificate of British Citizenship, and often the playing of the National Anthem. It serves as a formal welcome into the British community and a recognition of their new status.
In essence, the journey to British citizenship for these individuals from Romania, Brazil, Hungary, Malaysia, Turkey, The Gambia, and Algeria involved a significant commitment to understanding and embracing the values, history, and laws of their new home, culminating in the public affirmation of their allegiance at the ceremony in Oakham.
Editors Note: Congratulations to all the new citizens. I was born here 58 years ago and last year, I took a British Citizenship test and failed, so well done for passing all your tests.
.jpg)
.JPG)
.JPG)
