By IRNA,
London : British Prime Minister David Cameron’s government is seeking to curb immigration by extending the use of English language tests to all non-Europeans wishing to marry or join their spouses in Britain.
From autumn, all migrants from outside Europe will have to demonstrate basic communication skills that enable them to deal with everyday life before receiving a visa.
The Homes Office said Wednesday that the new measure would apply to spouses and unmarried couples who are already in Britain as well as overseas applicants.
Anyone wishing to come to Britain must first demonstrate they can speak English at the same level required for skilled workers admitted under the points-based system.
“I believe being able to speak English should be a pre-requisite for anyone who wants to settle here. The new English requirement for spouses will help promote integration, remove cultural barriers and protect public services,” Home Secretary Theresa May said.
She argued that it was a “privilege” to come to the UK and that is why the government was “committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society.”
The plan, which is hoping to cut immigration by 10 per cent a year, came despite divisions between the coalition partners, with the Conservatives pledging to set a ceiling on the number coming to Britain and the Liberal Democrats questioning its feasibility.
May said the new measure was “only the first step” to control immigration. “We are currently reviewing English language requirements across the visa system with a view to tightening the rules further in the future,” she said.
The introduction of an English language test, which is already used to control nationality applicants, was one of four key elements of the Conservatives’ election manifesto.
Prime Minister David Cameron argued that he wanted to promote the integration of newcomers into British society. But his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg questioned similar policies under Labour and highlighted how Britons may struggle abroad if other nations implemented tests.
The new plans mean a spouse coming from outside Europe must provide evidence they have passed an English language test by an approved provider. Visa applicants in these circumstances must already meet a range of criteria before being allowed to enter the UK under current rules.
All applicants must also show their marriage or partnership is genuine and that they can support themselves financially. Whether people are married in the UK or overseas, the non-UK partner must apply for a two-year settlement visa to come and live in the UK as a spouse. At the end of the two years they can apply to the UK Border Agency for indefinite leave to remain.
Last year some 38,000 visas for spouses were granted and a further 21,000 people were granted indefinite leave to remain. The move is likely to have a particular impact on Britain’s Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, who make up a large proportion of these figures.