Tackling forced marriages

[24 July 2008]

The rules for British citizens marrying foreign spouses will change in a bid to tackle forced marriages.

The age limit will be raised from 18 to 21 and the foreign spouse will have to sign an agreement stating that they will learn to speak English before they arrive in the country. UK citizens will also have to register their intention to marry a foreign spouse before they leave the UK. This will include registering the name of their partner in advance. The UK Border Agency will have new powers to revoke people's rights to stay in the UK if they have abused the marriage visa system. They will also be given guidelines about how to spot risk of abuse and those who appear to be vulnerable.

To read the full story, visit the BBC News website.

Please note: Crimestoppers is not responsible for the content on external websites.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.