§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the administrative consequences for nationals of(a) the UK and (b) Zimbabwe consequent on that country's Government's announced withdrawal from the Commonwealth. [145085]
§ Mr. MullinThe immediate impact on UK nationals of Zimbabwe's withdrawal from the Commonwealth is negligible. Our High Commission in Harare, which becomes an Embassy, will continue to provide consular and other services normally afforded to British citizens.
No policy or legislative changes in response to Zimbabwe"s withdrawal will be made after detailed consideration of the impact such changes might have on ordinary Zimbabweans. We also intend to remain in step with our key Commonwealth partners and coordinate closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
Under UK legislation, Zimbabwean citizens have the status of "Commonwealth citizens" because Zimbabwe is designated as a Commonwealth State in Schedule 3 of the 1981 British Nationality Act. This entitles them to certain rights and privileges as Commonwealth citizens, such as the right to vote in national, local and European elections held in the UK.
Zimbabweans currently benefit from the provisions of the immigration rules relating to Commonwealth citizens. They are eligible for entry to the UK under the UK Ancestry entry clearance and the Working Holidaymaker provisions of the Immigration Rules. Zimbabweans who have one British parent and are Commonwealth citizens, have right of abode in the UK.
Also affected is the right of Zimbabwean nationals to consular protection in third countries where Zimbabwe has no diplomatic representation.
Zimbabwe's withdrawal affects the eligibility of its nationals to serve in our armed forces and civil service.
There are implications for the UK's extradition arrangements with Zimbabwe, now that it has ceased to be a member of the Commonwealth.