Certificates of Approval abolished in May 2011
Certificates of Approval migrants wishing to get married in the UK are abolished with effect from 9 May 2011, subject to approval from the House of Lords.Currently any migrant in the UK who is subject to immigration controls has to apply to the UKBA for a Certificate of Approval before they can get married or register a civil partnership. Exception is made for those getting married within the Anglian church
The confirmed details follow the previous announcement that certificates of marriage were to be abolished.
Certificates of Approval are being abolished because of a UK court ruling that the system is ‘incompatible’ with the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the UKBA, further changes from the UK courts have also weakened the scheme to the extent that it is no longer effective at preventing sham marriage.
The House of Commons has already approved the Order to abolish the certificates. The Order will be presented to the House of Lords on 4 April. If they vote to approve it then the scheme will close on 9 May 2011.
The UKBA has declared that it will continue to investigate and prevent sham marriages taking place. If marriages are found to be shams the UKBA intends to challenge and prosecute where possible.
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