People in the UAE seeking to become British citizens will be able to take a test here of how much they know about the United Kingdom, embassy officials have revealed.
The British Government recently introduced the tests to make sure applicants are familiar with the country's history, society and government.
Questions cover subjects such as what are MPs (Members of Parliament) and where are the Geordie, Cockney and Scouse accents spoken (Newcastle, London and Merseyside respectively).
Although most people applying for British citizenship are based in the UK, small numbers of people in the UAE are granted citizenship during special ceremonies here.
Mariam Saleh, an Information and Public Affairs Officer at the British Embassy in Dubai, said applicants would not have to travel to the United Kingdom to take the 24-question test.
She said instead they can contact the UK's Home Office, which will liaise with the British Council in the UAE.
"We don't have ready-made tests here, but the British Council can facilitate for the applicant to come and do the test here and to be charged for it," she added.
Before they take the test - the cost of which in the United Kingdom is £34 (Dh216) applicants are required to read a book called Life in the UK for background information.
They have to answer three-quarters of the test questions correctly to be eligible for citizenship. Those who fail can keep on trying until they reach the target figure.
There are 90 exam centres in the United Kingdom itself where people can take the tests, which last 45 minutes.
UK Immigration Minister Tony McNulty said the tests which became compulsory earlier this month ensured that new citizens fitted in well.
"They will help new citizens to gain a greater appreciation of the civic and political dimension of British citizenship and, in particular, to understand the rights and responsibilities that come with the acquisition of British citizenship.
"This will enable new citizens to play a full part in their wider community and will benefit both our society and economy," he said.
In 2004 a record 141,000 people were granted British citizenship a rise of 12 per cent on the year before.
Gulf News
