(Stretford and Urmston) (Lab):...I
support the sentiments expressed by the hon. Members for Argyle and
Bute and for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East. There
have been considerable benefits to our faith communities from their
ability to take advantage of freedom of movement and welcome EEA
nationals into their communities. Faith communities, especially
Churches of all denominations, have congregations with many EEA
nationals among their membership and they are also often
individuals who act as pastors, counsellors, youth workers and
musicians.
As we have heard, many faith organisations have needed EEA
nationals to cover short-term or sometimes longer-term
appointments into leadership positions. That is especially true
in areas where it has been hard to recruit. Free movement has
also allowed faith communities some flexibility in terms of
shared mission work, with UK nationals working overseas,
undertaking mission trips, Musicians performing
in Europe at faith-based events or running camps and youth
conferences. Faith communities have been able to bring EEA
speakers and volunteers to help communities and to run events
without the associated costs and rules around visitor visas and
the tier system...
...There is also a concern, as I have said, among faith
communities that bring in Musicians who may be
self-employed and who may work in multiple settings. As the hon.
Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East pointed
out, seminaries that conduct formation in English are not
necessarily regarded as meeting the English language
requirement...
...What assessment have the Government made of the impact
on creatives, such as Musicians used
by faith communities? Will they still be able to come to the UK?
Will those in a different visa route be able to transfer if they
take on a role in a faith community? For example, could someone
who has arrived in the UK as a student transfer routes if they
become a religious worker? Will it be possible for individuals to
come to the UK as volunteers in faith communities and, if so,
what restrictions will be applied to their activities? What
discussions have the Government had with faith communities about
their responsibility to carry out right-to-work checks?
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