HC Deb 25 February 1999 vol 326 cc392-3W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions on hours of work apply to au pairs; and if he will make a statement. [71969]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Under the Immigration Rules, overseas nationals living in the United Kingdom as au pairs may help in the home for no more than five hours a day, with two days off per week, in return for a reasonable allowance.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to issue updated guidance on the employment and status of au pairs. [71968]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

There are no plans at present to change the immigration status of overseas nationals living in the United Kingdom as au pairs or to change the guidance.

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the immigration status of au pairs; and if he will make a statement. [71967]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Under the Immigration Rules, an au pair must be unmarried, aged between 17 and 27 and without dependants, and come from one of the designated countries. They may stay in the United Kingdom for up to two years, living as part of an English speaking family and learning the language. They may help in the home for more than five hours a day, with two days off per week, in return for a reasonable allowance.