Tuesday, December 20 2005 16:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Britain will allow religious workers in non-pastoral and non-preaching roles to remain in the country for up to two years, a move that would benefit Hindu religious workers who are much in demand here.

The new measures would benefit 'pujaris' who lead worship or perform sacramental rites, or 'bhandaris' who are trained cooks.

Under the measures unveiled by Minister for Immigration and Nationality Tony McNulty yesterday, Muslim Imams, rabbis and other foreign clerics who want to preach in Britain will not be required to qualify for English language tests and can apply for two year visas of a non-settlement nature.

McNulty said he had decided that preachers should not face tougher requirements than other immigrants who only have to take the civic test when they are applying to become citizens after four years in the country.

A new pre-entry qualification will be devised to establish whether an applicant is qualified to carry out a religious role under a 'new points-based immigration system' to be introduced in mid-2007.

The Hindu Forum of Britain has welcomed the move. "We informed the minister at the meeting yesterday that we are pleased that the Home Office has listened to our views and acted appropriately," Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Forum said in a statement.