By IRNA,
London : A new English language requirement for migrants applying to come to or stay in the UK as a spouse or partner is being introduced in the UK on November 29, Immigration Minister Damian Green has announced.
“Non-European migrants joining a British citizen or non-European national settled in the UK will have to demonstrate a basic command of English as part of the visa application process unless they are a national of a majority English-speaking country,” Green said.
“Migrant spouses and partners will have to demonstrate English language ability at A1 level of the common European framework of reference (speaking and listening), the same level required for skilled workers,” he said in a parliamentary statement published on Tuesday.
The measure, which was originally announced last month shortly after the new coalition government came to power, apply to spouses and unmarried couples who are already in Britain as well as overseas applicants.
“Speaking English promotes integration into British society and broadens opportunities. The new rules will help ensure that migrant spouses are able to participate in British life from the outset and integrate more easily into wider UK society,” Green said.
He also added that the government was “reviewing English language requirements across the immigration system with a view to tightening the rules further in the future.”
Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, has said he wanted to promote the integration of newcomers into British society, even though his Liberal Democrat deputy, Nick Clegg, has questioned similar policies under the previous Labour government and highlighted how Britons may struggle abroad if other nations implemented tests.