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Learn to queue up to become UK citizen 

LONDON: Britain plans to make the art of queuing part of the citizenship test for immigrants, under plans unveiled by a senior minister. Foreigners applying to settle will have to learn how to form a queue for everything from buses to sandwiches.

While the idea may sound like a joke, ministers insist they are entirely serious and want to indoctrinate migrants more effectively on the British way of life, the Sunday Telegraph reported. A lot of tension is caused by immigrants not understanding that they must wait in line for services rather than barging to the front.

Paul Woolas, the immigration minister, said that he was pushing the idea as part of moves to ensure immigrants integrate properly. “The simple act of taking one’s turn is one of the things that holds our country together. It is very important that new comers take their place in queues whether it is for a bus or a cup of tea,” Woolas said.

“It is central to the British sense of fair play and it is also better for everyone. Huge resentment is caused when people push in. Most immigrants in my experience want to play fair.”

Since 2005, foreign nationals applying for citizenship — which confers the right to a British passport — have been required to sit a written test before taking part in a formal citizenship ceremony. 

17 February 2010
 

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