LONDON, Dec 5: The United Kingdom has shut its doors for the ‘foreseeable future’ on unskilled workers from Pakistan and other non-EU countries, a point based system for migrants announced here on Wednesday by the Home Office revealed.

The ban and other such measures would come into force in 100 days’ time.

Spouses who apply for entry to the UK may also have to sit English language assessments under new proposals.

About 12,000 unskilled migrants from non-EU countries in Africa, America and Asia came to work in the UK last year.

There are, however, no restrictions on people from EU countries coming to work in the UK.

Successful highly skilled applicants will also need to have passed a test in English, equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above.

To discourage forced marriages there are proposals to raise the age at which a person can sponsor or be sponsored to come to the UK for marriage from 18 to 21.

The rules on deporting convicted criminals will be tightened.