§ Mr. WardTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether a decision has yet been made on a special annual quota for 1991 of work permits for workers from the dependent territories.
§ Mr. HowardIt has been decided that there should be a quota for 1991 of 170 permits for use by dependent territories, with a maximum of 125 for Hong Kong.
We have also taken the opportunity to review the longer-term position of the special dependent territories work permit quota. Our conclusion is that it is now anomalous and inconsistent with our immigration control, in that it grants permits for jobs with skill levels below those required under the general work permit scheme. With increasing pressures on immigration worldwide, it is important that our rules are consistent.
The quota scheme was never intended to continue indefinitely and has now served its purpose. Accordingly, the Government have decided that the quota should end. However, in order that dependent territories should have time to adjust to this, the quota will be phased out gradually as set out in the table.
Citizens from dependent territories will still be covered by the work permit scheme, which allows non-EC nationals to be employed here if they have high-level skills that are in short supply, are participating in an intra-company move or meet other important labour market needs. They will also be eligible for consideration for permits under my Department's training and work experience scheme.
619W
Dependent territories special work permit quota: phasing out over four years beginning 1991 Total Maximum for Hong Kong Others 1991 170 125 45 1992 140 100 40 1993 110 75 35 1994 80 50 30 1995 Nil Nil Nil