Culture test for those seeking PR in Britain

LONDON - BRITAIN is seeking to promote a more cohesive nation by requiring people wanting to live permanently in the country to pass a test in English as well as politics, history and culture.

Such tests have been required since 2004 for all those seeking British citizenship, but will be required from Monday for all those seeking permanent residency.

The test, called Life In The UK, is composed of 24 questions, including those about British history, the political system, customs and citizens' rights.

People wanting to become permanent residents could be asked questions like: Who is the head of the Church of England? When was Queen Elizabeth II crowned? And how many members does the Scottish Parliament have?

The Home Office says the measure will help immigrants contribute to the economy by increasing their employment prospects and making them more aware of their rights and responsibilities.

But Mr Habib Rahman, who heads the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, was concerned about the impact of the test.

'It will make the integration of refugees and other vulnerable migrant groups harder,' he said.