New UK immigration rules to 'hit Pakistanis hardest'

London, July 10 (ANI): New UK immigration rules over marriages with overseas residents that came into effect recently, clearly indicates that Pakistanis would be the community hit hardest by the new law.

Every year, around 40,000 people come to the UK on marriages or spouse visas. The number of British Pakistanis going to Pakistan to get married has been increasing. Most of the spouses - men and women - come from Mirpur and Kotli districts in POK, followed by spouses from the Punjab province, reports The News.

The key changes in the immigration rules set the minimum income threshold at 18,600 pounds for those who wish to sponsor the settlement of a spouse or partner in the UK. A higher threshold will be required for the additional sponsorship of migrant children under the age of 18- 22,400 pounds for one child and an additional 2,400 pounds for each further child sponsored before the migrant parent reaches settlement.

The minimum probationary period has been increased from two years to five years before non-EEA (European Economic Area) spouses and partners can apply for settlement. The migrant spouses will be required to complete a five-year probationary period in the UK for settlement and it will not be considered if they have spent a few years together overseas.

From October this year, all applicants for settlement will have to pass the Life in the UK test in addition to an English language qualification at B1 level or above.

Fariha Butt, an immigration expert said the new rules are onerous and will not help an ailing UK economy. She added that the changes brought in by the Home Secretary are aimed at restricting net migration to Britain from 250,000 to "tens of thousands" but as a result of these new rules hundreds of British citizens will effectively be forced into exile from their own country for having a relationship with a non-European Economic Area national. (ANI)