HC Deb 13 November 1934 vol 293 cc1773-7W
Lord APSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Colonies impose upon all British immigrants who intend to settle with them conditions that they should have a fixed minimum sum of money; whether, in that case, he will give the details of such regulations; and whether we in turn apply similar regulations to those coming into this country from those Colonies?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I attach a statement indicating the law in force in each Colony in which a British immigrant is or may be required either to possess or to furnish security for a minimum sum of money before he is allowed to land. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whom I have consulted on the subject, that the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

STATEMENT showing the amount of deposit or the form of security required from persons (including British subjects) landing in those Colonies where such deposit or security is required.

Bahamas.—An intending immigrant must deposit with the immigration officer £20, or if the immigration officer thinks fit, furnish two sufficient securities ordinarily resident in the Colony and approved by the immigration officer in a joint and several bond in the sum of £50

Bermuda.—The immigrant must de posit with the immigration officer £30, or if the Board of Immigration think fit, furnish two securities ordinarily resident in the Island, and approved by the Board, as security in a joint and several bond in the sum of £50.

British Guiana.—A British subject (except when recruited for service in the Colony) arriving in the Colony as a second class, third class or deck passenger, is not allowed to land unless he or she is able to produce the sum of 24 dollars.

British Honduras.—An intending immigrant on arrival in the Colony must be in a position to deposit with the Colonial Treasurer, if required to do so, the sum of 100 dollars in American currency or its equivalent or to furnish security that he will repay to the Treasurer all costs and charges, not exceeding 100 dollars, which within three years from the date of his landing may have been incurred.

Ceylon.—A European immigrant is not allowed to land in Ceylon unless he is able to produce to the immigration authorities a minimum sum of £40, or until some person resident in Ceylon and approved as sufficient in that behalf, by letter of guarantee, has undertaken to repay to the Colonial Treasurer any costs and charges not exceeding the sum of 250 rupees which, within one year may be incurred in respect of such immigrant.

Fiji.—An immigrant may be refused permission to land unless he deposits with the Colonial Treasurer such sum not exceeding £50 as the immigration authorities may direct or furnishes security to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General of Constabulary for all costs and charges and passage expenses out of the Colony in the event of his becoming a charge on the Colony within three years of the date of landing.

Gambia.—A deposit of £60 is required from any immigrant who appears to the immigration officer to be without visible means of support or who in his opinion is likely to become a public charge. The immigration officer may, in lieu of requiring such deposit, permit the intending immigrant to give security by bond in the sum of £60, with one or more sureties to be approved by the immigration officer.

Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony.— No person is allowed to land in the Colony unless he is possessed of a sum of not less than £50.

Gold Coast.—The regulations relating to the deposit of or the provision of security by an intending immigrant are similar to the corresponding regulations in force in the Gambia. (See above.)

Hong Kong.—An immigrant must show that he has in his possession or that he is physically able to earn, the means of decently supporting himself and his dependents, if any. (No amount stated.)

Jamaica.—An intending immigrant, who though on other grounds may Le classed as "prohibited" may, if thought fit by the appropriate officer, be allowed to enter the Island provided he deposits with the officer the sum of £30.

Kenya.—A deposit of £50 is required from any European immigrant who appears to the immigration officer to be without visible means of support or who, in his opinion, is likely to become a public charge. The immigration officer may, in lieu of requiring such deposit, permit the intending immigrant to give security by bond in the prescribed form to the amount of the deposit with one or more sureties to be approved by the immigration officer and resident in the Colony.

Leeward Islands.—Any steerage passenger who, in the opinion of the immigration authorities, is likely to become a charge on the Colony, must deposit with the Treasurer of the Presidency, or Magistrate in the case of the Islands of Nevis and Anguilla, the sum of £20 or alternatively give security by deed in the prescribed form for the repayment of any charges which within one year from the date of such deed may be incurred on his behalf.

Nigeria.—The regulations relating to the deposit of or the provision of security by an intending immigrant are similar to the corresponding regulations in force in the Gambia (see above).

St. Lucia.—Any person arriving in the Colony, who in the opinion of the immigration authorities, is likely to become a, charge on the Colony, must deposit with the Treasurer the sum of £5, or alternatively some person resident in the Colony and approved by the Treasurer must enter into a bond in the prescribed form to repay to the Treasurer any pauper charges which within one year from the date of the bond may be incurred in respect of the immigrant.

St. Vincent.—As for St. Lucia.

Seychelles.—No person may land in the Colony unless he possesses the value of at least 250 rupees in cash or property.

Sierra Leone.—The regulations relating to the deposit of or the provision of security by an intending immigrant are similar to the corresponding regulations in force in the Gambia (see above).

Straits Settlements.—As for Hong Kong.

Trinidad and Tobago.—Any person arriving in the Colony who, in the opinion of the immigration authorities, is likely to become a charge on the Colony must deposit with the Treasurer the sum of £50, or if a native of another British West Indian Colony or British Guiana such lesser sum as may from time to time be prescribed, or alternatively, in special cases, to be approved by the Governor, some person resident in the Colony, and approved by the Treasurer may enter into a bond undertaking to repay to the Treasurer any charges together with the expenses of repatriation, if any, which within the period stated by the bond may be incurred in respect of such immigrants.

Turks and Caicos Islands.—The regulations relating to the deposit of or the provision of security by an intending immigrant are similar to the corresponding regulations in force in St. Lucia, except that the deposit required is £20.