Curbs on migration to target sham weddings
A crackdown on sham and forced marriages was announced by ministers today as part of moves to curb immigration and promote integration.
Foreign brides and grooms will need to pass a basic English test if they want to settle in Britain and will have to wait five years rather than two before they can claim benefits - some of the tightest restrictions in the world.
In both America and Australia, marriages are re-assessed after two years before permanent residency rights are granted to foreign spouses. British authorities could be given powers to delay weddings and civil ceremonies suspected of being bogus.
UK-based spouses will need to show they earn enough to support their partners and a new definition of "genuine and continuing" marriage will be drawn up.
The proposals were contained in a consultation paper on family migration unveiled today by immigration minister Damian Green.
It will also review laws that let foreign criminals remain in Britain under European human rights laws to protect their family life. A Sri Lankan robber was allowed to remain because he had a girlfriend in Britain.
Mr Green said: "Too often in the past the family route has been abused as a means to bypass our immigration laws.
That includes too many times where we have seen Article Eight used to place the rights of criminals and illegal migrants above the rights of the British public."
