HL Deb 26 June 1989 vol 509 cc571-2WA
Lord MacLehose of Beoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take the situation in China into account when processing applications by Chinese students for extensions of stay in the United Kingdom.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

There are between 6,000 and 6,500 Chinese nationals in the United Kingdom who are subject to immigration conditions and of these some 3,500 are studying here. In view of the situation in China, we shall look sympathetically at applications for leave to remain here by Chinese nationals who do not wish to return to China at the present time. Any Chinese national, therefore, whose leave to remain here is due to expire soon, or has already expired, and who does not wish to return should write to the Immigration and Nationality Department, Home Office, Lunar House, Croydon CR9 2BY, and, if they do not qualify to remain under the Immigration Rules, they will nevertheless be allowed to stay for a further six months on an exceptional basis. Steps have been taken to publish the advice as widely as possible in the universities and colleges, and in the Chinese community.