NON EUROPEAN IMMIGRANTS MUST PASS ENGLISH TEST TO GET INTO BRITAIN

27/7/2010- Immigrants coming to the UK to join a partner or spouse will have to be able to speak English from later this year. Immigration minister Damian Green told MPs yesterday that non-European migrants joining a British citizen or non-European national in the UK would "have to demonstrate a basic command of English" as part of the visa application process. In a written statement to parliament, he said an ability to speak the language would help migrant spouses or partners "participate in British life". The new requirement will come into effect on 29 November and will mean passing a test to show the person's ability to speak English. Mr Green told MPs: "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." The rules will apply to applicants from within the UK as well as visa applicants overseas.
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