UK Government launch consultation on Family Migration – 13/07/2011

The UK government has announced proposals to crack down on sham and forced marriages, as part of its consultation on family migration.

The consultation process will focus on stopping abuse of this immigration route, promoting integration into the British society of persons making use of this route and reducing the burden on UK tax payers. Some of the key proposals in the consultation include;

• Defining more clearly what constitutes a genuine and continuing marriage, in order to identify sham and forced marriages;

• Introducing a minimum income threshold for sponsors of partners and dependants, in order to ensure that family migrants are adequately supported;

• Extending the probationary period before partners can apply for settlement in the UK from 2 years to 5 years, in order to test that these relationships are genuine and to encourage integration into the British society;

• Requiring partners and adult dependants under the age of 65 years of age to demonstrate that they understand everyday English when they apply for settlement. This will be tested by B1 Level on the Common European Framework for Languages;

• Giving authorities the power to delay a marriage where sham is suspected;

• Working more closely with local authorities to protect vulnerable persons that might be forced into marriage; and

• Reviewing the full right of appeal for family visitor visas.

For more information or to apply for your visa, please contact our offices for more information.