Independent Schools Council

HC Deb 19 March 2002 vol 382 c279W

Mr. Brady

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to respond to requests made in September 2000 by the Independent Schools Council about the visa regime for students from Commonwealth countries who take up temporary employment in independent schools. [41870]

Angela Eagle

The Joint Entry Clearance Unit of the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office replied to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) on 21 September 2000 outlining the routes open to independent schools seeking to engage teaching assistants from outside the European Economic Area.

The ISC has expressed an interest in the planned amendment, to reflect the National Minimum Wage Act, of a concession, outside the immigration rules, which facilitates the entry of voluntary workers from overseas. The ISC will be advised of the details of the amendment shortly.