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Written question asked by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 October 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 October 2017. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.

Briitsh Nationality and Migrants: English Language

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of introducing English language proficiency exemptions for applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain or citizenship because of nationality.

Answer

No assessment has been made of introducing English language proficiency exemptions for applicants because of nationality.

All those applying for indefinite leave to remain under a provision where knowledge of language and life in the UK (KoLL) is a requirement, and all those applying for naturalisation as a British citizen, must meet KoLL. Exemptions to this requirement are primarily based on the applicant’s inability to prepare for or sit the test. Where an applicant has a physical or medical condition which would make it unreasonable to expect them to undertake the test, they can be exempted. Exemptions also exist on the basis of age.

There are no exemptions from KoLL due to a person’s nationality. A person who is a national of a majority English-speaking country will, however, be able to use this to demonstrate that they meet the English language part of the KoLL requirement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1873
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Assessments British nationality Exemptions Migrants English language
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk