Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have been made in regard to Her Majesty's Government's policy on applications by Iraqi nationals applying for(a) leave to remain in and (b) entry to the United Kingdom since 15 January.
§ Mr. Peter LloydOn 18 January my right hon. Friend introduced an immigration rules change (HC 160) under which applications for visas, leave to enter or extensions of stay by Iraqi nationals fall to be refused. These restrictions were introduced as an exceptional measure following the outbreak of hostilities in the Gulf. We are keeping them under review and will relax them as soon as my right hon. Friend is satisfied that it is safe and consistent with the national interest to do so. In the meantime, discretion to grant applications outside the rules is being exercised in compassionate circumstances where we are satisfied no threat to national security is involved.