Britain unveils tighter curbs on immigration

The British government on Monday proposed tighter immigration controls and said only skilled workers who speak English would be allowed to settle in Britain permanently.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the government also would fingerprint all foreigners applying for visas.The measures would not affect EU citizens. Clarke said Britain would introduce a points system —— in place in Australia and Canada —— favouring those with sought-after skills, such as doctors and engineers.

The government will also limit the dependents who can join a migrant worker, and scrap the automatic right to permanent residency for those who have lived in Britain for four years. —AP/PTI