Language Test for UK Immigrants

Along with a new government comes, what would seem to be, the obligatory policy changes to curb what some see as an influx of immigration. There is now a test that requires immigrants marrying UK citizens to prove their command of the English language.

This test had already been put in place by the previous outgoing Labour government, but has now been brought forward by current ministers. The rules will only apply to partners coming to the UK from outside the European Union. This would mean that those applying for a visa from outside the EU will have to prove they can speak the language to enable them to function in everyday life.

The 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.

"This is only the first step. We are currently reviewing English language requirements across the visa system with a view to tightening the rules further in the future."

Some fear that the test could prove over discriminatory. For example, Hina Majid, from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said "Take the young girl 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. It's unnecessary, it's costly and it will tear migrant families apart."

Others have suggested that the test goes too far and that the command of the language that the test requires would faze many native speaking English people. After all, the test needs to be written by someone and one wonders how much research has gone into it and whether it has had a significant amount of trials.

Also, why had it been restricted to a particular section of immigration? Surely if such a measure is to be introduced then it should apply across the board, or not at all?