Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

Leave to Remain

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the requirement to speak English for those seeking indefinite leave to remain in the UK will apply to individuals coming into the UK through arranged marriages.

Answer: [holding answer 11 December 2006]: The requirement to demonstrate knowledge of life in the UK and knowledge of the English language will apply to those who seek indefinite leave to remain under the immigration rules on the basis of marriage to a person settled here. Such individuals are usually admitted to the UK for two years in the first instance which should provide sufficient time for applicants to develop the required English language skills. Those who do not will be entitled to apply for and receive further periods of leave to remain during which they should take steps to develop their English language skills if they would like to apply again for indefinite leave to remain. These arrangements, which will come into force on 2 April 2007, will apply irrespective of whether the marriage is an arranged marriage or not.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 454 c1321W;454 c1323W; 105687
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Immigration controls Immigration Migrants English language Marriage Married people
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk