§ Lord Vivianasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why measures were introduced some years ago whereby Turkish Cypriots have to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom; and why these regulations should not be rescinded now. [HL3958]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe visa-free travel concession for holders of Turkish Cypriot travel documents was withdrawn on 16 January 1998. This decision was taken on immigration grounds alone and was based on the fact that over a period of more than two years prior to that date holders of these documents had in increasing numbers submitted unfounded applications for asylum on arrival in the UK.
The responsibility for policy on the imposition of visa regimes rests with my right honourable friend the Home Secretary.