Marriage visa age rising to 21

ANYONE coming into the UK to marry will have to be 21, Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has revealed.

The increase of the age from 18 is the latest crackdown on forced marriage and those who abuse the marriage visa option.

Mr Woolas, the MP for Oldham East, said: “It is important that we protect vulnerable young people and this measure will help avoid exploitation”.

The changes being made to the marriage visa route are part of a package of measures being brought in to deliver the biggest shake-up to immigration and border security in 45 years.

The measures will come into effect on November 27. Also overseas spouses will also enter into an agreement to learn English before they come to the UK. The UK Border Agency will check the promise is being met and if not, the people could be deported.

British citizens who are going to marry overseas nationals will also need to register their intention before leaving the UK.

This will mean a young person will know in advance that a marriage will take place overseas and who their prospective partner will be.

Powers will come into force to revoke the leave to remain if there is evidence a forced marriage and abuse have taken place.

Businesses will be held accountable for workers they bring into the country.

Mr Woolas added: “The points system means only the migrants with the skills Britain needs can come — and no more.

“It is also flexible, allowing us to raise or lower the bar according to the needs of business and taking population trends into account.

“Had the system been in place last year there would have been 12 per cent fewer people coming in to work through the equivalent work permit route.”