§ Mr. SimmondsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what special arrangements his Department is making to ensure that those teachers that hold British passports, and who are leaving Zimbabwe owing to political oppression, are categorised as skilled or semi-skilled workers rather than economic migrants when entering the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [97548]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienBritish citizens have the right of abode in the United Kingdom, and there is therefore no need for them to be categorised according to their skills. British passport-holders who have other categories of British nationality may enter the UK as visitors, but would need to seek prior entry clearance before coming to the UK for any other reason.
§ Mr. SimmondsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what special arrangements his Department is making to ensure that those pensioners that hold British passports, and who are leaving Zimbabwe owing to political oppression, are given priority in entering the UK; what arrangements are being made to ensure their financial needs are met; and if he will make a statement. [97549]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienNo special arrangements have been made for British pensioners who choose to leave Zimbabwe and return to the UK.
Any British citizen arriving in the UK from abroad may make an immediate claim for income-support, housing benefit, council tax benefits and jobseeker's allowance (income-based) subject to meeting certain criteria, including demonstrating that they are habitually resident in the UK. These benefits are only paid to people with close ties to the UK and an intention to settle here.