§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision his Department made prior to 1 May to ensure that those to whom his Department had written indicating the termination of support and housing benefits had in their possession the documents necessary to enable them(a) to seek work in the UK and (b) to return to their EU member state of origin. [172927]
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§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 13 May 2004]: On 1 May 2004, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta became members of the European Union and asylum seekers from these countries ceased to be eligible for support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) or a local authority under the Asylum Support (Interim Provisions) Regulations 1999. Immigration Nationality Directorate officials wrote to all those affected to ensure that they were aware of their options after 1 May. Letters were sent on 5 and 6 April to those supported directly by NASS and on 16 April to those supported by local authorities. The letters explained the options available, namely to obtain work and register under the Worker Registration Scheme (except for those from Cyprus and Malta who are not required to register), to remain in the UK but become self supporting, or to return to their country of origin.
The letters advised those affected that they could look for work immediately but that they could not take up that work until 1 May unless they already had been given permission to work by the Home Office. The letters also advised those affected that they could approach their embassy or consulate for advice on returning.
Accession state nationals Who wish to make an application for a workers registration card whose passports are being held by the Home Office should indicate this on the workers registration form. Their documentation will then be considered alongside the application.
§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people from EU accession countries arrived at UK international(a) airports and (b) bus stations in the first week of May last year. [173183]
§ Mr. BrowneData are not available for the period requested.
Data from the International Passenger Survey (IPS) shows that a total of 86,000 visits were made by nationals of EU accession countries in May 2003.