HL Deb 24 May 2000 vol 613 cc90-1WA
Baroness Howells of St Davids

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to strengthen legislation to tackle abuse of the United Kingdom's immigration control. [HL2634]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Government are firmly committed to ensuring that those who seek to migrate to the United Kingdom but have no grounds for doing so under the Immigration Rules are prevented from coming here.

From 00:01 hours on Thursday 25 May, we will require nationals of Colombia and Ecuador to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa even when they intend to remain airside while in transit through the United Kingdom. We have taken this action following evidence of abuse of the Transit Without Visa concession by such nationals.