§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what conditions Philippine citizens are admitted into the United Kingdom for employment by(a) public bodies, (b) registered businesses, (c) United Kingdom citizens and (d) non-United Kingdom citizens; and what steps he takes to ensure equitable conditions and contracts of employment and registration of any change of employer.
§ Mr. Peter LloydOverseas nationals seeking admission to the United Kingdom must qualify under the relevant provisions of the immigration rules (currently HC 251 as amended). As non-EC nationals, Philippine citizens wishing to work here generally require work permits. However, as I explained in a reply to a question from the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 22 February 1990 at columns917–8, there are exceptional arrangements outside the immigration rules and the work permit scheme under which a domestic servant who has worked abroad for an employer who comes to the United Kingdom can be admitted to continue working for him here. We have recently reviewed these arrangements in view of the concern about the possible exploitation of domestics and the outcome of that review was announced in another place by my noble Friend Lord Ferrers in reply to a question from Lord Hylton on 24 July 1990 at columns 1449–50. Whatever the provisions under which overseas nationals are admitted for work, they are entitled to the normal protection of our law. Their ability to change employers will, however, depend on the conditions on which they have been granted leave to enter or stay in the United Kingdom.