§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they have taken to ensure that there is no discrimination against Roma people in the administration of their immigration policy within the United Kingdom and abroad. [HL713]
§ Lord RookerThe Race Relations (Immigration and Asylum) (No 2) Authorisation 2001 authorises discrimination, where necessary, in the examination of passengers belonging to certain ethnic or national groups, including Roma, and in decisions whether to give or refuse persons leave to enter before they arrive in the United Kingdom. The decision on a person's entitlement to enter the United Kingdom, and other decisions affecting people of Roma origin, continue to be taken on the merits of the case in accordance with the Immigration Rules.
The authorisation is reviewed on a monthly basis by Ministers. The Race Monitor, to be appointed under Section 19E of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 1976 (as amended), will report to Parliament via the Secretary of State on the likely effect of the authorisation and on how it is operated in practice by officials.
58WAThe pre-clearance operation at Prague airport operates on a non-discriminatory basis—all applications are considered under the provisions of the Immigration Rules and on their individual merits—and is not subject to the provisions of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act.