Last week Rob Marris MP tabled Early Day Motion 464 relating to English Language Proficiency Visa Rules for Sikh Granthis, Kirtanis and Katha Vachaks. The motion expresses concern for Sikh Gurdwaras of the Home Office's new immigration rules, which came into effect from 31 August 2004. The new rules require Sikh Granthis, Kirtanis and Katha Vachaks applying to enter the UK on temporary visas to demonstrate proficiency in the English language to Level 4 and, in due course, to Level 6. In the motion Rob Marris MP pointed out that the irony is that before those rule changes came into effect Sikh Granthis, Kirtanis and Katha Vachaks were on occasion initially refused visas because of their fluency in English. The motion states "it is not clear what business it is of the Government to be concerned with what language is spoken in a Gurdwara" and calls upon the Home Office "to review immediately the new immigration rules with a view to removing unwarranted English language requirements". Daljit Singh Shergill of the National Council of Gurdwaras speaking to the media urged all UK Gurdwaras to support the Parliamentary motion to overturn the new immigration rules. He said: "The Government has failed to understand how Gurdwaras undertake parchar and the best way to impart the teachings contained in the Guru Granth Sahib. Many Gurdwaras already provide facilities in English, although more could be done. The Government has no jurisdiction in insisting Granthis, Kirtanis and Katha Vachaks have a certain proficiency in English for undertaking their duties". "We urge every Gurdwara to immediately contact local MPs, including Labour Ministers, and insist these new immigration rules are dropped in relation to Sikhs and Gurdwaras. We must urge them to carry this out before the General Election. The National Council of Gurdwaras will work closely with organisations like the Sikh Federation (UK) to ensure Sikh issues are not ignored as we approach the next General Election". Daljit Singh Shergill can be contacted on 07931 147523 for further information.