The minister explained the decision to raise the age threshold for obtaining a marriage visa from 18 to 21 years old as a desire to 'protect vulnerable young people' and 'avoid exploitation.' This measure, according to him, is one of the ways to combat forced marriages, which are often found in Muslim and Hindu communities in Britain.
Notably, the age restriction will apply to both parties intending to marry - both subjects of the United Kingdom and their foreign partners. In addition, reports RIA Novosti, grooms and brides for whom English is not a native language will have to take a language proficiency exam. Couples will also have to submit an application of intent to marry in advance, before one of them leaves the United Kingdom to obtain a marriage visa.
Also, from November 27, a new system for issuing residence permits and work rights to immigrants from non-EU countries will come into force. This system involves a points-based assessment, on the basis of which a conclusion will be made about the value of a particular immigrant to Britain.
At the first stage, points will be awarded only to immigrants applying for highly skilled work. Points are awarded for level of education, level of English proficiency, salary level, and age.
'The points-based system means that only those immigrants whose professionalism is needed by Britain will be able to come - and no one else. This system is flexible and allows us to lower or raise the bar in accordance with business requirements and statistical trends,' commented the Minister for Migration, Phil Woolas.