§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances(a) British nationals and (b) those with indefinite leave to remain would find their children under the age of 18 years refused entry clearance when they can demonstrate that they can support these children and offer adequate accommodation. [18036]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 27 November 2001]: Entry clearance is not required where, by virtue of his or her British citizenship, the child has the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
In other cases, paragraph 297 of the Immigration Rules sets out the requirements that need to be met in order for a child under 18 years of age to be granted an entry clearance to join a parent or parents in this country. In addition to the maintenance and accommodation requirement, in general terms, it is necessary for the parents to be present and settled in the United Kingdom and for the child to be unmarried and still dependent on his parents. It is not possible to give an exhaustive list of every possible circumstance where a child might be refused an entry clearance to join a parent or parents.