Non-EU immigrants face English language tests
LONDON |
LONDON (Reuters) - Immigrants from outside the European Union who marry British citizens and move to the UK will need to take a compulsory English language test first, under plans fast-tracked by the government on Wednesday.
The new rules were to have been introduced by the previous Labour government in 2011, but will now come into force in the autumn.
During their election campaign, the Conservatives said immigration is too high and pledged to take action.
All non-European migrants will need to demonstrate basic communication skills that enable them to integrate into society before being eligible for a visa.
The rules will apply to spouses, fiancees and unmarried couples who already live in Britain as well as new applicants.
Home Secretary Theresa May said being able to speak English was a pre-requisite for anyone wanting to settle in Britain.
"The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services," she said in a statement.
"It is a privilege to come to the UK and that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society."
She said the measures were a first step in tightening up English language requirements across the visa system.
"Today's announcement is one of a wide range of measures the new government is taking to ensure that immigration is properly controlled for the benefit of the UK, alongside a limit on work visas and an effective system for regulating the students who come here."
Officials say the measures are likely to impact the UK's Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities most.
(Reporting by Stefano Ambrogi; Editing by Steve Addison)
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Thes people should not be our problem. They are a drain on our schools, hospitals, and housing. The Government should be looking after ourselves. We need to get rid of all illegal immigrants – have only people from the EU that are physically fit, no criminal record and have a skill that this country needs. They all use loop holes to get into our country which should be tigtened. They need to adapt to our culture our dress code and our rules. If they donl like it- don;t come. How much money does it cost us to pay for each immigrant per year, financially etc. We are a daft nation and we need to give piority to our people. Two years ago I had major surgery which saved my life. The surgeon and nursing staff were brilliant they were immigrants whose type pf skills we need. I see no way forward in this matter. I think I will try and go to Australia to live. Oh dear they will not except me. I wonder why?
Thes people should not be our problem. They are a drain on our schools, hospitals, and housing. The Government should be looking after ourselves. We need to get rid of all illegal immigrants – have only people from the EU that are physically fit, no criminal record and have a skill that this country needs. They all use loop holes to get into our country which should be tigtened. They need to adapt to our culture our dress code and our rules. If they donl like it- don;t come. How much money does it cost us to pay for each immigrant per year, financially etc. We are a daft nation and we need to give piority to our people. Two years ago I had major surgery which saved my life. The surgeon and nursing staff were brilliant they were immigrants whose type pf skills we need. I see no way forward in this matter. I think I will try and go to Australia to live. Oh dear they will not except me. I wonder why?
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