The Japanese community in Britain is hoping the government will rethink plans for a new English language requirement for foreign nationals coming to work in the country.

The Japanese Embassy in London has expressed "serious concern" at initial government plans to ensure that all skilled workers from outside the European Union seeking work visas have an "acceptable" level of English language proficiency.

It was felt that the level suggested was too high for the many Japanese who come to Britain on intra-corporate transfers for periods of around three years.

The Japanese Embassy in London, along with other foreign governments, has been lobbying hard to ensure that ICTs are exempted from the English language requirement or that the level of English required is reduced.