Curbs on foreign spouses will save £700m in benefits

Taxpayers will save £700 million because of sweeping cuts in the number of foreign spouses and family members allowed to come to Britain, ministers said today.

Under changes unveiled in Parliament by Home Secretary Theresa May, Britons who marry overseas citizens will have to earn at least £18,600 a year if they want to bring their husband or wife to live in this country.

The aim is to ensure new arrivals can be supported financially by their British partner and do not live on benefits. Couples who already have children will face an even higher salary qualification to reflect the possible added cost to public finances.

Critics claim the plans will unfairly penalise Britons who fall in love overseas, but ministers say they will save £700 million over the next decade on benefits and other public services.

Immigration minister Damian Green said the changes, expected to cut the number of migrant spouses and family members by up to 10,000 each year, would also improve social cohesion because such migrants were among the least likely to learn English, to work or integrate fully into society.

Those who do qualify to come to Britain will also have to pass new English language and “way of life” tests.

The changes to the family visa system form part of wider reforms unveiled today which also include plans to limit the right of foreign criminals and visa overstayers to avoid deportation by claiming the right to a family life in Britain. Mrs May told MPs British courts should not regard this as an absolute right.