United Kingdom’s Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Secretary Iaian Duncan Smith made a recent announcement that migrants would not be able to claim benefits unless they prove their communication skills in English. In view of this English skills requirement, the government is now revising the tests for migrants so that only those who are qualified will be able to claim workers’ welfare assistance.
Tougher tests
Upgraded examinations for migrants to the UK will be circulated in job centers this week for the implementation of the new policy. The new tests have already been applied beginning Monday in England, Scotland and Wales. Migrants will have to accomplish tougher and more individualized questions with comprehensive answers. In the revised examinations, migrants will be tested about their proficiency level in the English language. This will determine if their English language competence will be a hindrance for them to find work. The new test method employs an “intelligent IT system” that is individually tailored for each candidate. Along with the tests, migrants also have to submit other proofs that they are eligible for benefit claims.
Further queries
The migrants will likewise be asked about the extent of their application for work in the UK before they can qualify for the claims. They also have to answer questions about the efforts they have undertaken to substantiate their stay in Britain. Moreover, they must validate their habitual residency status in the country to be able to enjoy workers’ merits. The new tests consist of 200 questions. According to Smith, it is important that strict rules are implemented to safeguard the integrity of the country’s welfare organization. He said it is but fair that “genuine” jobseekers will be accorded deserved benefits than those who come to UK just to take advantage of the country’s benefit system.
Tinge of politics
A spokesman of the UK Independence Party discharged the updated policy as politically motivated. He said the more effective means of filtering migrants coming to the country is by requiring them to learn English before they enter the borders. Nonetheless, he added that this would be against European Union (EU) law. On the other hand the DWP maintains that there is no politics involved in the recent action on migrants, issuing a response that only legal migrants who can contribute to the government can avail of benefits. Meanwhile the Labor Department backs up the new English tests but remarks that political leaders are not addressing the issue on exploitation of migrant workers with lower qualifications.
Fair treatment
Chris Bryant, shadow welfare minister from the Labor Department said that for many decades, people from all around the world have been coming to Britain to work. By far, he said, they have generally contributed to the country. He added that it is important to have strong control in immigration policies so everyone living in Britain will enjoy fair treatment.
Approval from UK population
The British population welcomes the new benefit scheme adopted by the Work and Pensions Bureau. Smith stated that the public shares the same view with the government about the need for migrants to take a contributory role in the country to maintain a mutual benefit system. The government is making sure that the latest action on migrants’ status will be absolutely upheld.
Photo Credit: Department of Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith
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