A tightening of the marriage visa law requiring potential immigrants who want to marry here to learn English before they come to Britain has sent a shockwave through the Charedi community.

The new law, to be introduced in September, will mean that applicants will be asked to produce proof of their English studies when they apply for their visa.

Michoel Posen of Agudas Israel Community Services, who led the unsuccessful fight against the raising of the marriage visa age from 18 to 21, said: "This is a big problem for us. It is worst for those from non-English speaking countries, such as Israel or South America.

"What is being gained by introducing this? It is another nail in the coffin of British people wanting to make an Israeli shidduch (match)," he said.