U.K. introduces English test for immigrants

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

All non-European immigrants to the United Kingdom must pass a basic English language test before being granted a visa under new rules announced by the government Wednesday.

The rules will apply to anyone wanting to join their spouse or partner in the United Kingdom, and they will come into effect in autumn this year, the government said.

"I believe being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here," Home Secretary Theresa May said. She said the new requirement will "help promote integration, remove cultural barriers, and protect public services."

Anyone wishing to come to the United Kingdom as a partner must demonstrate a basic command of conversational English by proving they have passed the test at an approved testing center, the Home Office said.

"It is a privilege to come to the U.K., 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," May said in a statement.

She said the change is just a first step, and that the government is hoping to tighten the English-language requirements even further.

"Today's announcement is one of a wide range of measures the new government is taking to ensure that immigration is properly controlled for the benefit of the U.K., alongside a limit on work visas and an effective system for regulating the students who come here," May said.

Under current rules, people applying for visas to join their partners must first meet a range of criteria, including showing that their marriage or partnership is genuine, and that they can support themselves financially.

They must first apply for a two-year settlement visa. After that, they can apply for permission to settle in Britain -- known as indefinite leave to remain, which is similar to a U.S. green card -- but they must first take a test on British culture, politics, and laws.

The new English test will be in addition to that test, the Home Office said.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/06/09/uk.english.mandatory/?hpt=Sbin

[Darnell 8,478]

Yay !!!

But - it doesn't keep the spouse OUT of the UK - can come in, settle down, enroll in 'UK English' classes prior to the exam.

Yay !!!!

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

I'd probably fail. They would ask me something like: How was your trip to the consulate today? I'd be like "Oh it was hella fast!" Sorry sir, "hella" is not an English word we will be enrolling you in English Classes upon your arrival to the UK.

Edited June 9, 2010 by Sousuke

[Heracles 417]

All non-European immigrants to the United Kingdom must pass a basic English language test before being granted a visa under new rules announced by the government Wednesday.

"I believe being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here," Home Secretary Theresa May said. She said the new requirement will "help promote integration, remove cultural barriers, and protect public services."

If only we could get people here to wake up to this reality. Similar measures, for similar reasons, were introduced in AUS a few years ago.

Edited June 9, 2010 by Booyah!

[Darnell 8,478]

Language is a verra 'orrible, nastie beastie. One should master it first, 'fore taking it out for walkies.

Extra points if you can find the author of this ...

Edited June 9, 2010 by Darnell

[Ban Hammer 13,408]

I'd probably fail. They would ask me something like: How was your trip to the consulate today? I'd be like "Oh it was hella fast!" Sorry sir, "hella" is not an English word we will be enrolling you in English Classes upon your arrival to the UK.

[mawilson 2,133]

All non-European immigrants to the United Kingdom must pass a basic English language test before being granted a visa under new rules announced by the government Wednesday.

No such requirement for Belarussians or Ukrainians?

[Pooky 3,809]

If the prospective immigrant learned from their spouse, and their spouse lived in Wolverhampton ... they're pretty much screwed

... and Liverpool

... and Aberdeen

... and Llandudno

... and Truro, especially Truro

Because seriously, even I can understand maybe one word in four out of someone from any of these places.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

No such requirement for Belarussians or Ukrainians?

I assume they are referring to the EU not Europe as a whole.

[KaiserD 12]

I saw this on the BBC site this morning, they appear to have edited the content though.

Dr Nick Saville, from the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, said the applicants would have to prove they could understand basic notices and information.

He said: "You would be able to introduce yourself to others and ask basic level questions and write simple messages."

The original said something like needing the level of English language knowledge of a 4 - 5 year old child.

As long as there are resources available I don't think it's too much to ask, communication is really important after all. What if the British spouse is sick and the alien has to call 999?

[KaiserD 12]

... and Truro, especially Truro

Because seriously, even I can understand maybe one word in four out of someone from any of these places.

There be nothin wrong with my English I'll avee know!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Racists. They will probably make them show ID to take the test. Betcha.

[Pooky 3,809]

I saw this on the BBC site this morning, they appear to have edited the content though.

Dr Nick Saville, from the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, said the applicants would have to prove they could understand basic notices and information.

He said: "You would be able to introduce yourself to others and ask basic level questions and write simple messages."

The original said something like needing the level of English language knowledge of a 4 - 5 year old child.

As long as there are resources available I don't think it's too much to ask, communication is really important after all. What if the British spouse is sick and the alien has to call 999?

So, would this class as an epic fail?

The English is clear enough to lorry drivers - but the Welsh reads "I am not in the office at the moment. Send any work to be translated."

BBC Website Link

That rules out most public servants in Wales, then

[IndigoSkies 168]

This is a stupid rule, IMO. They should make it a requirement once you enter the UK to be enrolled in English class. I'm just imagining the reality here. Say a Pakistani man lives in UK for ages but he married in Pakistan a poor woman. Forget English, she can't even write Urdo. How's she going to learn English to come to UK? She can't. So this perfectly fine wedding is going to break apart. Nice going UK for enacting a law that makes no sense. Why don't they just come out and say they don't immigrants anymore. I mean UK doesn't have to allow immigrants. Why go about this in a inhumane and rather dubious way?

[peejay 327]

This is a stupid rule, IMO. They should make it a requirement once you enter the UK to be enrolled in English class. I'm just imagining the reality here. Say a Pakistani man lives in UK for ages but he married in Pakistan a poor woman. Forget English, she can't even write Urdo. How's she going to learn English to come to UK? She can't. So this perfectly fine wedding is going to break apart. Nice going UK for enacting a law that makes no sense. Why don't they just come out and say they don't immigrants anymore. I mean UK doesn't have to allow immigrants. Why go about this in a inhumane and rather dubious way?

At least you acknowledge there is no right to immigrate. So what if any country wants to set the bar high for people to immigrate? It's their country. You meet the requirements or you don't immigrate. I don't see this as being inhumane. This guy can go home if he wants to marry this woman or he can pay for her to learn English over in Pakistan.