12
July 2005
NEW
IMMIGRATION RULES FOR PEOPLE STAYING IN THE UK FOR MORE THAN SIX
MONTHS
Tony
McNulty MP, Minister of State at the Home Office, today announced
a new entry clearance requirement for people coming to the UK
for more than six months.
From
13 November 2005, all nationals from non-EEA member states who
wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain
an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.
A
one-off cost of £85.00 will enable the traveller, once entry
clearance has been obtained, to stay for the full period without
having to apply for a residence permit (unless they wish to change
or extend their stay).
ENDS
Notes
to Editors
- The
new entry clearance arrangements have been introduced in stages
over a two-year period. The European Union (EU) began work on
this area over eight years ago. It is not in response to
the recent terrorist attacks in London. The regulation
is aimed at countering fraudulent documentation.
- The
first phase came into force on 13 November 2003. The UK's ten
largest customers in terms of travellers who stay in the UK
for more than six months were in the first phase. They included
passport holders from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (not including
BN (O)s), Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa,
South Korea and the United States. In addition, entry clearance
became necessary for all nationalities entering the UK on work
permits.
- British
National (Overseas) passport holders will continue to be able
to travel without entry clearance and can apply for entry on
arrival in the UK. As usual, BN (O) passport holders intending
to stay in the UK for more than six months can obtain prior
entry clearance from the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong
free of charge. For more information click
here.
-
Phase two of the scheme will include Macao SAR passport holders.
However the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong does not
expect high demand from these passport holders.
- The
change to the Immigration Rules will be laid before Parliament
in the autumn. These changes can be found at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
-
More information can be found at the UK visas website www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
- The
European Economic Area (EEA) comprises members of the European
Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
ENDS
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