HC Deb 15 July 1968 vol 768 cc163-4W
Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that certain categories of United Kingdom nationals holding United Kingdom passports are encountering difficulties in entering the Federal German Republic; and what steps are being taken to minimise these difficulties.

Mr. Foley

We are aware of these difficulties which arise when people are unable to satisfy the Federal German immigration authorities that they have unrestricted right of entry to the United Kingdom. The main groups of those who do have such a right of entry to the United Kingdom are those who were born in the United Kingdom and those holding passports issued in the United Kingdom. Federal German immigration officers have been instructed by their Government to admit these two groups without formality and also to admit other United Kingdom nationals whose passports have been stamped to indicate exemption from United Kingdom immigration control. United Kingdom passport officers overseas are instructed to stamp new passports which they issue, and existing passports whenever the opportunity occurs, to indicate whether or not the holders are subject to United Kingdom immigration control, if the passports do not already make this clear. Provision has also been made in this country for stamping existing passports issued abroad, whose holders have an unrestricted right of entry here, to indicate this fact.

All practicable steps have been and are being taken to bring the new German regulations to the attention of United Kingdom nationals proposing to visit the Federal German Republic, to ensure either that their passports indicate that they are exempt from United Kingdom immigration control or that they obtain a German visa before travelling. People whose passports do not already indicate exemption from United Kingdom immigration control can, if they are in fact exempt, have their passports appropriately stamped on application to any of the passport offices in this country or to a British Consulate or High Commission overseas.

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