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Marriage visas age raised to 21 Marriage visas age raised to 21
(10 minutes later)
Foreigners applying for marriage visas for the UK will have to be at least 21 years old from the end of this month.Foreigners applying for marriage visas for the UK will have to be at least 21 years old from the end of this month.
Ministers say raising the age from 18 is needed to stop forced marriages and deter people from abusing the system.Ministers say raising the age from 18 is needed to stop forced marriages and deter people from abusing the system.
The new measure, which applies to both partners, comes into effect from 27 November. The measure applies to both partners. Spouses will have to agree to learn English - with future plans for English tests before spouses get their visas.
Immigration minister Phil Woolas said: "It is important that we protect vulnerable young people - and this measure will help avoid exploitation." Minister Phil Woolas said "it is important we protect vulnerable young people" and "avoid exploitation".
Other changes intended to tackle forced marriage means people will have to register their intention to get married before they leave the UK.
Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said - when ministers first suggested the plan in July - that they were following the Conservative lead on the issue.Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve said - when ministers first suggested the plan in July - that they were following the Conservative lead on the issue.