HC Deb 03 June 1991 vol 192 cc82-3W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the abolition of re-entry visas and visa exemption certificates by the United Kingdom; and what consultation he undertook with interested parties before taking this action.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

We have received a small number of representations. They have included both favourable and critical comment. It is not our normal practice to consult about immigration rules changes.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to minimise inconvenience to travellers, officials and airlines arising from the abolition of re-entry visas and visa exemption certificates by the United Kingdom; and what particular action he has taken to assist those visitors to the United Kingdom wishing to go on religious pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

We are issuing applicants with an explanatory card and are providing guidance to airlines. Most travellers should find the new arrangements more convenient and their greater simplicity should make them easier for immigration staff and airlines to operate.

I recognise that the timing of the changes may cause difficulty for visitors who plan to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Officials have therefore notified Islamic bodies that my right hon. Friend is prepared, exceptionally, to grant an extra one month's leave in order to bring such visitors within the scope of the visa exemption scheme. Applications should be made to the public inquiry office at Lunar house by 28 June and should be accompanied by a return ticket to Saudi Arabia valid for the Hajj period, as well as a ticket for the applicant's subsequent return to country of origin.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what benefits he expects from abolishing with effect from 16 May re-entry visas and visa exemption certificates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Because re-entry visas were issued without substantive consideration of applications they did not represent an effective use of resources. A new short-term multiple entry visa and an extended visa exemption scheme have been introduced to assist those who wish to travel abroad and return during a stay in the United Kingdom. Now that the visa exemption scheme applies uniformly to all visa nationalities the "visa exempt" passport endorsement, which was previously available on application, is no longer considered necessary or helpful.