Manchester United's Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez
The Guardian has today reported that the Government plans to introduce a new English language test for skilled migrants from outside Europe such as footballers.
How do you feel about the proposed plans? Do you think that language should be a barrier for footballers? Isn't football a universal language? Let us know what you think by posting a comment on the Kick It Out blog.
From The Guardian
South American, African and other non-European footballers who cannot speak English will be barred from joining Premier League clubs from the autumn under the new points-based immigration system detailed by ministers yesterday.
The introduction of an English language test, covering everyday phrases and simple conversation, forms part of a package of tougher rules for skilled migrants from outside Europe applying to work in Britain and for temporary workers and students.
The immigration minister, Liam Byrne, said that there would have been 20,000 fewer migrants coming to Britain last year had the new rules been in force.
"Our new points system means that British jobseekers get the first crack of the whip and that only skilled migrants we actually need will be able to come. By moving points up or down, we can make sure the numbers we allow into the UK are in line with the needs of business and the country as a whole."
But ministers said that entertainers and others coming to perform at one-off events and festivals, such as the 2012 Olympics or the annual Edinburgh festival fringe, will be outside the points-based system and will be covered by a new business visitors' visa to be unveiled later this year.
A vacancy will have to be advertised for at least two weeks (one week in the case of jobs with salaries above 40,000 pounds) before a migrant can be recruited from outside Europe. The only exceptions will be if the job has been declared a shortage occupation or is an internal company transfer.
Migrants will also have to show they are competent in English, although ministers' plans to insist on a GCSE-level standard have been dropped. Instead new skilled migrants will be expected to speak to a "basic-user standard", using familiar everyday expressions, and be able to discuss basic personal details.
It is expected the new requirement will prevent 5% of existing skilled migrants coming to Britain. The Home Office estimates that English proficiency raises productivity by 20%.
Byrne said Premier League footballers and other elite sports people would not be exempt from the requirement: "It is a basic requirement that they have some command of English," he said.
The Home Office estimates that if the new rules had been in place last year then 85,800 skilled workers and their dependants would have moved to Britain, compared with the 97,600 who successfully secured work permits.
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