UK gets tough on immigration
2005-02-06 08:21
London - Only skilled professionals will be allowed to permanently settle in Britain under measures to be announced Monday by Prime Minister Tony Blair's government, it was reported Sunday.
Only "desirable" professionals, such as doctors and teachers, will be granted leave to remain, and even then only if they pass English tests, The Observer newspaper said.
Others who come to Britain on work permits will not be able to apply to remain indefinitely, and will be forced to leave once their time in the country has run out.
The measures are not expected to affect citizens from other European Union countries who, under EU rules, are free to seek work and remain in Britain - though under some conditions in the case of those from eastern Europe.
The Observer said the measures would be announced on Monday by home secretary Charles Clarke, three months before an expected general election in which immigration will be a major issue.