Calls for English language test reduction for foreign fishermen following industry concerns
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has met with the UK’s immigration minister to discuss recent changes in worker visas for foreign fishermen following concerns from the fishing industry.
The MP is seeking an adjustment to the level of English language testing needed, which he says would be a “game changer” in helping the fishing sector to adjust to the new requirements.
The new rules prohibit foreign nationals from doing work within UK territorial waters (within 12 nautical miles) without a skilled worker visa which requires a higher level of English which many may not have.
In a meeting with immigration minister Robert Jenrick, Mr Duguid made the case for the test standard to be lowered from B1 (intermediate English) to A2 (elementary English) which is thought by the industry to be a more appropriate level.
He said: “The meeting provided an opportunity to relay concerns from the industry regarding the visa changes.
“The industry has made it clear to me that the standard required for the English test, particularly the written aspect, is more comprehensive than it needs to be.
“They also tell me that fishermen are passing every other requirement of the skilled worker’s visa except the B1 level of English.”
Mr Duguid, who has also met with industry leaders over the concerns, took part in a House of Commons debate on the issue.
During the debate, he said: “I think we all can agree that the system of using transit visas which, technically, allowed fishermen to enter the country on the basis of ‘transiting’ outside the 12 nautical mile limit to work, was not fit for purpose.
“I have long advocated that the use of the points-based immigration system, when appropriately applied, could be used to replace this system.
“The offshore catching sector, as well as those fishing inshore, can apply for the relevant skilled labour through the skilled worker route.
“One stumbling block however is the current standard of the English written language test.
“While not denying the need to have a minimum level of English proficiency for health and safety reasons as well as to avoid exposure to abuse, the industry has asked for, as a proposal, to reduce the standard required from B1 to A2.
“If such a move could be made on the English language testing, that could be a game changer in helping this vital industry and our coastal communities not just survive but thrive – as we all know that they can.”
In his response during the debate, Mr Jenrick committed to look into the concerns raised by Mr Duguid.
