UK Certificate of Approval to Marry

The new UK government have announced their intention to abolish the "Certificate of Approval to Marry" scheme.

This is the process where non UK / EU citizens need to apply for permission to marry in the UK. The Certificate of Approval scheme has been controversial since its introduction a few years back and has been subjected to much scrutiny by the courts.

The government are stating that the;

"scheme is incompatible with Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, ..... and changes made following rulings from the courts have weakened the scheme, and it is no longer an effective method of preventing sham marriage".

Although the scheme is still in operation, it will be abolished by late 2010 / early 2011 depending on how quick it can be removed through Parliament.

This is a positive development in removing a simplistic and discriminatory piece of legislation which caused more problems than it solved.

For more information, see;

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/32-coa-changes

Are you looking to marry in the UK ? Do you need information on a spouse visa ? then please visit;

www.commonwealthimmigration.com