London: Migrating to the United Kingdom may no longer be a cakewalk.

Immigrants to the UK will need to demonstrate a knowledge of British history before being given citizenship, according to proposals published by the Home Office.

There is more. Prospective citizens will also have to pass basic tests in the English language and undergo 10 two-hour lessons about life in Britain.

According to the proposals, new arrivals have enormous pride in being given British citizenship. Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, in particular, said that British citizenship resulted in VIP treatment when travelling.

At present, an immigrant can apply for naturalisation after being resident for five years – or three years if married to a British citizen.

Henceforward, citizenship ceremonies will also be held for new citizens, where they will swear allegiance to the Queen and pledge loyalty to the country, replacing the current system under which people receive their citizenship in a document sent through the post from Home Office.

Home Secretary David Blunkett, who has insisted that the Britishness test should include more about the nation's past, also said that he wanted Britons to be prouder of their own culture.

While unveiling the new proposals, Blunkett said on September 3 night that the new proposals for citizenship which include an oath and a pledge, did not mean that immigrants would have to assimilate into a common culture.

PTI