New language requirements for preachers
The Home Secretary has announced a new pre-entry English test for all “ministers of religion.”
The measures, which will apply to foreign Imams wishing to preach in the UK, are designed to ensure that those preaching in the UK “have the skills needed for ministry in a diverse and cohesive society”.
Ministers of religion will have to demonstrate they have a basic grasp of English before they are allowed to work in the UK, and this standard will be raised to being a competent writer and speaker of English after two years.
David Blunkett also pledged to consult faith communities on the suggestion that after Imams and priests have been in the country a year they should be required to show knowledge and engagement with British civil life, including an understanding of other faiths. It will also suggest a formal requirement that such preachers should have professional qualifications.
It is believed that these measures are to be introduced in an effort to clamp down on extremist preachers.
Mr Blunkett said: “We have consulted and listened to faith groups and are encouraged that many faith representatives recognise the need for ministers to speak for the communities they represent and in particular to communicate effectively with the younger generation.
“That is why it is essential that ministers coming from overseas can speak English when they arrive in the UK so they can speak to and for their congregations. It is also important that once here, faith leaders play a full role in their communities and gain an understanding and appreciation of British civic life.
“We hope that faith groups will continue to work closely with us during the second half of the year to ensure that overseas ministers of religion, like all migrants, engage with the communities in which they live.”
The announcement came in a ministerial statement in which the Home Secretary also announced a crackdown on bogus English colleges. He revealed that so far 672 suspect colleges have been visited, with 195 proving to be bogus and 299 requiring further investigation.
Action is being taken to prevent immigration abuse from those students claiming visas for attending the “dodgy colleges”.
