LONDON, Dec 4: People wanting to live permanently in Britain will have to prove their proficiency in the English language and demonstrate their knowledge of life here from next year, the government said on Monday.

The measures will come into force on April 2, 2007 with only those who pass the tests being given permanent residence status, the Home Office announced.

“It is essential that migrants wishing to live in the United Kingdom permanently recognise that there are responsibilities that go with this,” said immigration minister Liam Byrne.

“Having a good grasp of English is essential in order for them to play a full role in society and properly integrate into our communities.” Applicants who already possess a good standard of English will take the existing “Life in the UK” exam.

Those with poorer English can take a specially developed English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course with a simplified citizenship course.

The changes bring the requirements for granting permanent residency into line with those introduced in 2004 for immigrants applying for citizenship.

In 2005, there were 217,475 applications for citizenship while 179,120 grants of settlement were made, according to official statistics.—AFP