New Straits Times
LONDON, ENGLAND, July 23, 2004: The Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. David Blunkett, MP, has announced today that with effect from 31 August 2004 a new legislation will come into force that will allow work permits to be granted only to Ministers of Religion who can provide a certificate of English competency up to a minimum level 4 under the International English Language Testing Scheme (IELTS), which in total has 10 levels of competency. This requirement will remain in force for a period of 2 years, after which the minimum level required will be lifted to level 6. Level 4 is that of a limited user, i.e., broken English, but level 6 is that of a competent user. For comparison level 7 is a good user, level 8 a very good user and level 9 an expert user. This qualification rule will not apply to: a) visiting priests or visiting preachers; b) members of religious orders, e.g., nuns and monks; c) missionaries.
This legislation will not be applied retrospectively, i.e, to those who are already granted a permission to live in the country or work permits before 31 August 2004. Hindu temple authorities will need to ensure that after 31 August they take account of the legislation to ensure adequate training is given up to level 4 English (IELTS) before applying for a work permit for the priests. They will also need to inform the training schools in the subcontinent of the new requirements. The Home Office has, however, invited Hindu Council UK to further discuss the differences between Hindu priests and what they understand as Minister of Religion, but that consultation will take place sometime after the summer recess. Further information will be disseminated through the National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) to Sanatan DharamaTemples and other temples can contact the Hindu Council UK directly.