New English test rule for non-EU spouse applications to Britain
June 9th, 2010 - 11:32 am ICT by IANSBy Venkata Vemuri
London, June 9 (IANS) Come this autumn and it will be compulsory for non-EU immigrants marrying Britain citizens to pass an English test for being allowed into the country.
The new rule will apply to spouses or civil partners, fiances or proposed civil partners, unmarried partners or same sex partners of a Britain citizen or permanent resident. The applicants should be able to understand English at the level of a five or six years old child. At present, visa applicants have to show only that their marriage or partnership is genuine and that they can financially support themselves.
Officials estimate that the English language test will apply to about 38,000 spouses, civil partners and fiancés a year, including many from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan who come for arranged marriages. Officials believe that the number of spousal visas will fall by 6,000 a year. According to government figures, 59,000 people from outside the EU were granted a visa to live with their partner in Britain in 2009.
Announcing the new rule, Home Secretary Theresa May said: “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. 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 also indicated that the new tests for those seeking a spousal visa would be made more difficult in the future.
The tests can be taken overseas at centres accredited by the UK Border Agency, The Times reports. The Home Office estimates the applicants would need 40-50 hours of tuition to meet the required standard. Applicants will be able to repeat the test until they pass.
Hina Majid, of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, said she supported helping immigrants to learn English, but the plans were discriminatory. “Take the young girl (from a developing country) who meets the love of her life and wants to come over here to be with him. It may take her several years to pass and in that time they may not be able to live together in the UK.”
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Tags: autumn, english language test, english test, government figures, home secretary, immigrants, majid, migrants, permanent resident, privilege, raising the bar, sex partners, spousal visa, test rule, theresa may, unmarried partners, venkata, visa applicants, visas, welfare