CHANGES TO VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR RELIGIOUS WORKERS

That this House is concerned that changes to the immigration rules regarding religious workers, announced in December 2018, are having a negative impact on the ability of churches and other religious organisations to carry out their work and worship; notes in particular that these changes introduce additional costs, a lengthy cooling-off period and language tests even for religious workers who have extensive experience of working in the UK, making it difficult for parishes and other religious bodies to secure the return of individuals with whom they have a long standing relationship; and calls on the Home Office to suspend implementation of these changes and to consult with religious organisations about how a fairer system can be introduced that better supports their work.