United Kingdom

According to new rules which came into effect on 27 November 2008, the minimum age at which a spouse can join their migrant partner in the UK has been raised from 18 to 21 for both parties.

Under new proposals put forwards by UK Immigration Minister Phil Woolas, economic immigrants in the UK will have to earn the right to a passport by serving a five-year 'probationary citizenship'.

Laws to prevent forced marriages and protect those who have already fallen victim have been introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK Home Office has started the process of issuing compulsory identity cards to foreigners living in Britain.

On 27 November 2008 the United Kingdom launched Tiers 2 and 5 of its "five-tier" points based immigration system.