Språkkrav för anhöriginvandring OK enligt domstol

I november 2010 införde Storbritannien språkkrav för att make/maka ska få invandra till landet. Tre par har överklagat reglerna, men nu har en domstol (high court) slagit fast att det nya språktestet inte är ett oproportionerligt ingrepp i rätten till familjeliv.

Från BBC News:

The High Court has dismissed a challenge to laws that require immigrant spouses to be able to speak English in order to live in the UK.

Three couples had challenged the rules which were introduced in November 2010.

But Mr Justice Beatson ruled the new language test was not a disproportionate interference with the couples' right to family life.

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said the ruling would affect many UK citizens.

But Immigration Minister Damian Green said: "We believe it is entirely reasonable that someone intending to live in the UK should understand English, so that they can integrate and participate fully in our society.

"We are very pleased that the courts agree with us."

The Home Office, which had also cited the costs of translators and interpreters for the NHS and other public services, now requires anyone entering the UK to join their spouse to speak a minimum level of English.