HC Deb 20 June 1988 vol 135 cc378-9W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rules govern entry into the United Kingdom by (a) citizens of Eire and (b) citizens of Commonwealth countries; and if privileges granted are reciprocal for United Kingdom citizens in Eire.

Mr. Renton

Because the Irish Republic forms part of the common travel area, its citizens are generally free to enter the United Kingdom, whether coming from within or outside that area. Irish citizens, may, however, be subject to deportation, or to exclusion under either the immigration or the prevention of terrorism legislation. Under regulations in place in the Republic of Ireland, complete reciprocity is accorded to British citizens, thus allowing them unrestricted access to the Republic. The entry of Commonwealth citizens to the United Kingdom is controlled by the Immigration Act 1971 and by the immigration rules made under it.

Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what entry documents are required for(a) citizens of Eire entering the United Kingdom and (b) Commonwealth countries; and if these rights are reciprocal for United Kingdom citizens entering Eire.

Mr. Renton

Under the provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 a person must produce a valid passport or some other document establishing his identity or citizenship if required to do so by the immigration officer examining him. This applies to all nationalities without distinction. Additionally, any person requiring an entry clearance must be in possession of this at the time of entry. Entry clearance requirements however do not apply to citizens of the Irish Republic.

Persons arriving in and departing from the United Kingdom on a local journey within the common travel area, that is to say, the Channel islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland, are not generally subject to control under the Immigration Act and would not therefore normally be required to submit to examination by an immigration officer, nor required to produce entry documents under the provisions of that Act. Arrangements for the operation of the common travel area are reciprocal.

Requirements placed on persons entering the Republic of Ireland from outside the common travel area are matters for the Irish Government.