title:Sajid Javid Criticises Non-English Speaking Pakistani Immigration toUK
ISLAMABAD: Former British Chancellor Sajid Javid, of Pakistani heritage,has ignited widespread controversy by stating that under current UKimmigration rules, he would not permit entry to his own unskilled father ornon-English speaking mother. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times,Javid emphasised that English proficiency remains the primary barrier tocommunity cohesion in Britain. His comments, highlighting stricterstandards for immigrants from non-English speaking countries like Pakistan,have drawn sharp criticism from diaspora communities and observers who viewthem as dismissive of historical migration patterns that enabled his ownfamily’s success.
The remarks come at a time when the United Kingdom has progressivelytightened immigration controls, particularly affecting family reunificationand settlement pathways for Pakistanis. Data from recent years indicatethat Pakistan remains one of the top nationalities for family visas, withthousands of applications processed annually despite rising refusal rateslinked to language and financial thresholds. Javid’s assertion underscoresa shift in policy discourse, where integration through language isprioritised over traditional low-skilled family migration routes thatcharacterised post-war arrivals from South Asia.
Javid, who rose from humble beginnings as the son of a Pakistani bus driverto high office, argued that modern rules demand higher skills and fluencyin English for settlement. He claimed the lack of English among somelong-term residents hinders social integration, pointing to historical datashowing significant numbers in communities from Pakistani and Bangladeshiorigins facing language barriers. Critics argue his position overlookssystemic challenges faced by first-generation immigrants, including limitedaccess to education and employment in their early years in the UK.
Recent UK immigration reforms have intensified these issues for Pakistanifamilies. In 2025, the government introduced elevated English languagerequirements across various visa categories, including raising standards toB2 level (A-Level equivalent) for certain work visas effective from January2026. For family routes, such as spouse and partner visas, applicants mustnow demonstrate at least A1 level initially, progressing to A2 forextensions, with B1 needed for indefinite leave to remain. These changes,part of broader efforts to reduce net migration, have compoundeddifficulties for applicants from Pakistan, where English proficiency varieswidely outside urban centres.
Pakistani applicants encounter heightened scrutiny and refusal risks, withreports indicating a 20 percent increase in denials tied to Englishlanguage shortfalls following policy shifts. Family reunification, a keypathway for many, faces additional hurdles from income thresholds andstricter verification processes. Many families report prolongedseparations, emotional distress, and financial strain as sponsors struggleto meet requirements while supporting relatives abroad. Communityorganisations highlight that these rules disproportionately impact womenand older dependents who may lack formal education opportunities.
The broader context reveals ongoing tensions in UK immigration policytowards South Asian communities. Official statistics show Pakistan amongleading sources of family migration, yet recent white papers proposeextending qualifying periods for permanent residence and emphasisingcontribution-based criteria. Advocates warn that such measures couldfragment families and erode cultural ties, particularly as economicpressures in Pakistan drive migration aspirations despite barriers.
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Javid’s comments have amplified debates on hypocrisy, given his personalbackground mirrors the very immigration he now questions. Observers notethat his family’s arrival decades ago occurred under more permissive rules,allowing low-skilled labour migration that built Britain’s post-wareconomy. Today, similar pathways are curtailed, prompting accusations thatsuccessful immigrants like Javid advocate gatekeeping once integrated.Diaspora voices express concern that such rhetoric fuels anti-immigrantsentiment and overlooks contributions of non-English proficient arrivals insectors like transport and healthcare.
Despite the controversy, Javid maintained that fluent English fostersbetter cohesion and economic participation. He advocated for earlierimplementation of stringent language mandates, aligning with successivegovernments’ points-based systems post-Brexit. However, data on integrationoutcomes remain mixed, with studies showing that while language proficiencyaids employment, many immigrants achieve upward mobility through communitynetworks even without advanced fluency.
The implications for Pakistani families persist amid evolving rules.Extended settlement timelines and higher English thresholds could deterapplications or prolong uncertainty for those already in process. Communityleaders call for balanced policies that recognise humanitarian aspects offamily migration while addressing integration needs.
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