Immigration bill includes test for language ability

THE Cabinet has approved the long-awaited Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and it will be published early next week, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan has confirmed.

It will introduce wide- ranging changes to rules for immigrants, refugee and asylum-seekers and for visitor visas.

For the first time there could be a test to ensure people wishing to remain in the country long-term can speak English, while people seeking a visa for family or friends who wish to visit would be asked to lodge a bond.