UK to tighten rules today: English must for immigrants

The move will be announced by Brown in a speech to the Trade Unions Congress tomorrow.

Under immigration rules affecting workers from outside the EU, applicants are split into highly skilled, skilled and non-skilled. Only the first two categories can apply to settle permanently in Britain. Highly skilled workers already have to show they are proficient in English. Monday’s announcement will extend that requirement to the skilled.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told The Sunday Telegraph: “Those who we welcome into the UK to work and settle here need to understand our traditions and feel that they are part of our shared national culture. They need to integrate into our country, learn English and use our language.”

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said he was concerned. “Of course language skills are important but I would be concerned if this meant that those who want to work and help our economy grow are kept out of the country and take their skills and talent elsewhere.”