UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK Immigration Laws may restrict Minister of Religion Visas

Monday, 1 September 2008

The UK Government are introducing laws which will make it more difficult for Ministers of Religion from outside the EU to enter the UK to address their congregations and lead UK people in prayer. It could hinder freedom of worship in the UK.

The idea which we all hold as sacred and take for granted is our freedom to worship. This core belief is central to all that makes us British and therefore makes us one of the most tolerant and respected free societies on earth.

Religion transcends national boarders and most including Christian faiths, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism regularly invite learned elders of their religions to join them in the UK for prayer and guidance. Currently all that is need for a minister of religion to enter the UK now is an invitation from a congregation. Ministers from all religions come to the UK to lead us in prayer but also to travel amongst our many temples, synagogues, mosques and churches.

The new laws will allow the Home Office to refuse the minister of religion the right to come to the UK if they do not have a pre-approved sponsor. When the new immigration policies are put into effect the minister of religion would need to have a government sponsor.

The ministers of religion have never had to report to a pre-approved sponsor before, particularly not one whom must be based in the UK, currently holy work whilst in the UK is not overseen by any 'local manager' or sponsor.

The data held by immigration officials on Ministers of Religion whom are in breach of the immigration rules seems extremely small to warrant such a response by the government. One Catholic Priest summed it up when he said "We have one sponsor and one boss. He most certainly is not answerable to the Home Office."

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.