Welcome to the nightmare

It’s a minefield. The ins and outs of immigration, citizenship and asylum boggle the mind. Searching for websites to help people in this area can leave you drained. As usual, the Gateway to websites can help.

Jumping through the hoop

Exams are the new religion, so it was no surprise when an exam for Britishness was introduced. Luckily for those of us who are already UK citizens, we don’t (yet) have the embarrassment of having to answer questions about the things we think we know about our country and its institutions. But if you are hoping to become a UK citizen, or obtain "indefinite leave to remain", you have to take the exam called, like the relevant website, the Life in the UK Test.

The website (and the test) come from the Border & Immigration Agency (you know – quango… called something else last week). The "About the test" section describes who has to take the test and how to apply. Another section helps you to prepare for the test, and another helps you find your nearest centre (usual drill – pop in your postcode to get a list).

What many people want as they face up to the prospect of taking any test is encouragement as much as information. There is a lot more of both on the website (and in the accompanying book) than there used to be. Sensibly they have decided that the best way they can encourage people is to explain the facts in as friendly way as possible.

What the website and the book cannot do very well is interact with candidates who need more explanation, reassurance or help with English. For that, they will need to find a local course or support group. But for the more confident citizen-to-be, visiting the website with the handbook by your side is probably enough.

(From the Gateway to websites, select "Advice & help". Life in the UK Test is under "Immigration & nationality".)

Pressure and support

The Refugee Council is a pressure group and a support group. The Council aims to influence the Government and other (mostly public) bodies on questions of legislation and policy. But the Council and its employees also provide practical assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, and the website has become a useful tool.

They don’t pretend that they can make it easy: applying for asylum is "long and complex". But they do, with a combination of web pages and downloadable leaflets, offer clear advice and encouragement. And here’s an unusual thing: if you click on "contact us", you are offered a whole raft of telephone numbers, including the main switchboard number for general enquiries. Others could surely learn from this!

(From the Gateway to websites, select "Advice & help". Refugee Council is under "Immigration & nationality".)