The government has announced its intention to abolish the 'certificate of approval' scheme. The scheme is expected to end in late 2010 or early 2011.

At present, any migrant who is already in the UK and is subject to immigration control must apply for a certificate of approval before s/he can get married or register a civil partnership in this country (unless getting married within the Anglican Church).

The government is now seeking to remedy the declaration by the UK courts that the scheme is incompatible with Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.