Sri Lankan Nationals

HC Deb 04 July 1985 vol 82 c227W

6. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now withdraw the visa requirement for Sri Lankan nationals.

Mr. Brittan

No.

21. Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to review the policy of requiring visas for Sri Lankan nationals wishing to travel from Sri Lanka to Britain.

Mr. Waddington

The policy is being kept under review but my right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to withdraw the visa requirement for Sri Lankan citizens at present.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Sri Lankan citizens, who are permanently resident in Britain, now have to obtain a re-entry visa if they wish to visit an overseas country; what regulations apply to citizens of other Commonwealth countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

All Sri Lankan citizens, except those who were settled in the United Kingdom at the coming into force of the Immigration Act 1971 and who qualify for readmission under paragraph 56 of the immigration rules (HC 169) require entry or re-entry visas. Citizens of no other Commonwealth country are subject to a general visa requirement, but depending on the purpose for which he is seeking entry a Commonwealth citizen may be required to obtain prior entry clearance in the form of an entry certificate.