[{"topic":"Immigration","id":"44167","proposer":"10761","edm":"35","session":"2012-13","title":"Statement Of Changes In Immigration Rules","text":"That this House supports most elements of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1888, a copy of which was laid before this House on 15 March 2012, for instance the provisions that close the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) category and introduce the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category and that amend the settlement regime; expects that the annual limits for 2012-13 and 2013-14 for Tier 1 of the Points-Based System will not make any appreciable difference to the Government's declared net migration targets but is concerned that the proposed changes to the categories for overseas domestic workers in private households as they affect diplomats and others may lead to an increase in illegal trafficking and virtual domestic slavery; and therefore calls on the Government to allow a debate on the Statement of Changes as soon as possible.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"44174","proposer":"10761","edm":"42","session":"2012-13","title":"Immigration (Hc 1888)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1888), a copy of which was laid before this House on 15 March 2012, in the previous Session of Parliament, be disapproved.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"44072","proposer":"10761","edm":"2964","session":"2010-12","title":"Statement Of Changes In Immigration Rules","text":"That this House supports most elements of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1888, a copy of which was laid before this House on 15 March 2012, for instance the provisions that close the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) category and introduce the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category and that amend the settlement regime; expects that the annual limits for 2012-13 and 2013-14 for Tier 1 of the Points-Based System will not make any appreciable difference to the Government's declared net migration targets, but is concerned that the proposed changes to the categories for overseas domestic workers in private households as they affect diplomats and others may lead to an increase in illegal trafficking and virtual domestic slavery; and therefore calls on the Government to allow a debate on the Statement of Changes as soon as possible.","date":"2012-04-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"44073","proposer":"10761","edm":"2965","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration (Hc 1888)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1888), a copy of which was laid before this House on 15 March 2012, be disapproved.","date":"2012-04-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"43531","proposer":"10383","edm":"2439","session":"2010-12","title":"Resourcing Of UK Border Agency","text":"That this House believes that the UK Border Agency is suffering from a damaging cuts programme resulting in chronic under-resourcing; notes with concern staff reports that the Agency is suffering from a culture of mismanagement and that those running the organisation are attempting to impose a culture of no dissent among its workforce in order to mask the shortcomings that exist; believes that these issues are at the heart of the current crisis enveloping the Agency concerning the relaxation of border controls and the backlog of outstanding asylum cases; and therefore calls for a wide ranging inquiry by the Government and a reversal of cuts in this area to ensure services at the UK's borders are both secure and efficient.","date":"2011-11-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"43128","proposer":"10219","edm":"2057","session":"2010-12","title":"UK Border Agency And The Data Protection Act 1998","text":"That this House notes that the Order that amended the Data Protection Act 1998 which came into force on 17 December 2002 removed the Act's restrictions on the disclosures of sensitive data to hon. Members and other elected representatives when they are dealing with constituents' cases, where hon. Members have presumed consent to obtain information; further notes that officials of the UK Border Agency (UKBA) gave assurances at a meeting on 21 June 2011 hosted by the Minister of State at the Home Office accepting that that is the case; regrets that the UKBA MP's Hotline appears to be unaware of the assurances and of presumed consent; further regrets that the Minister of State at the Home Office has failed to respond to the representations made to him by the hon. Member for Ilford South; and calls on the Home Secretary to instruct all officials in her Department and particularly those at the UKBA to apply the policy of presumed consent immediately to all representations from hon Members.","date":"2011-07-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"43129","proposer":"10219","edm":"2058","session":"2010-12","title":"UK Border Agency International Group","text":"That this House regrets that although the Government advocates transparency, officials in the UK Border Agency International Group are refusing to place in the Library telephone\/fax and email addresses of officials of each country desk as was the case when it was part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and therefore instructs the Home Secretary to take urgent steps to place this information in the Library without further delay.","date":"2011-07-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"43115","proposer":"24784","edm":"2044","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration At Stansted Airport","text":"That this House notes that immigration and special branch officers are deeply concerned about potential abuse of the Common Travel Area Channel at Stansted Airport, where travellers can pass throughborder control without having to show a passport; further notes that passport-free travel between the UK, the Crown dependencies and the Republic of Ireland has been in place for many years; further notes however that this is a loophole that could potentially be exploited by illegal migrants, Islamists and terrorists; further notes that closing this loophole is especially important given that the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen will take place in 2012; welcomes the Prime Minister's statement that he is absolutely determined to resolve the abuse of the Common Travel Area Channel; and urges the UK Border Agency to work quickly to make sure this happens.","date":"2011-07-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"43095","proposer":"11798","edm":"2024","session":"2010-12","title":"Transitional Arrangements For Eu Migrant Workers","text":"That this House notes recent figures showing that nearly 90 per cent. of the 400,000 jobs created since May 2010 have been taken by foreign workers; further notes that the transitional restrictions on workers from Bulgaria and Romania are under review by the Government and the subject of a forthcoming report by the Migration Advisory Committee; further notes that in difficult economic times more migrant workers from Bulgaria and Romania may choose to seek work in the UK; and urges the Government to immediately avail itself of the ability to extend the transitional restrictions until 2013 to help support jobs for UK workers.","date":"2011-07-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"42495","proposer":"10383","edm":"1464","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration And Nationality (Fees) Order 2011","text":"That this House regrets the decision to approve the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order 2011 because for the first time it introduces the power of Government to charge fees for the registration as British citizens of the children born to British armed forces personnel serving overseas; believes that military personnel serving their country abroad should not be penalised in this way; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Home Department to exercise her discretion to waive the fee charges in these cases.","date":"2011-02-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"42256","proposer":"10614","edm":"1243","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration (Hc 698)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 698), a copy of which was laid before this House on 21 December 2010, be disapproved.","date":"2011-01-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"42239","proposer":"10197","edm":"1226","session":"2010-12","title":"Deportation Rights","text":"That this House believes the Government should ensure that it has the powers that take precedence over human rights to deport failed asylum seekers who are found guilty of a criminal offence.","date":"2010-12-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"42150","proposer":"10050","edm":"1142","session":"2010-12","title":"Citizenship Education","text":"That this House notes the publication of the coalition Government's White Paper, The Importance of Teaching; agrees with the comments of the Secretary of State for Education in the document's foreword that `it is only through reforming education that we can allow every child the chance to take their full and equal share in citizenship'; further notes the Government's commitment to reform the National Curriculum; is concerned that, as part of that reform, citizenship education may become non-statutory in English schools; believes that citizenship is the only subject that provides an opportunity for pupils to become literate in our legal system and political processes and the skills to become active citizens; further notes that citizenship is a subject of academic rigour, established with cross-party support almost 10 years ago and that, to date, over half a million young people have achieved a GCSE or A Level qualification in the subject; supports the work of specifically-trained citizenship teachers in promoting democratic understanding and civic participation; and calls on the Government to affirm its commitment to citizenship education as an entitlement for all students in English secondary schools.","date":"2010-12-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"42026","proposer":"24831","edm":"1037","session":"2010-12","title":"Children In Immigration Detention","text":"That this House notes the Children's Society and Bail for Immigration Detainees' OutCry! campaign to end the detention of children for asylum and immigration purposes; commends the Government for pledging to end this immoral practice and including this objective in its Coalition Agreement; further notes that there are still children being detained at Yarl's Wood and other UK Border Agency centres and that 50 children have been detained since the announcement; calls on the Government to amend the asylum process in such a way as to build trust and communication with the families involved, including improving access to good quality legal advice to ensure that children and families have a fair chance to have their claims heard early on in the process; and urges the Government to fulfil its pledge to end child detention without delay and put in place an asylum and immigration system that takes into account the safety and welfare of children and families.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41875","proposer":"24892","edm":"894","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration (Cm 7944)","text":"Thatthe Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (Cm 7944) which was laid before this House on 1st October 2010, be disapproved.","date":"2010-10-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41851","proposer":"10133","edm":"870","session":"2010-12","title":"Statement Of Changes In Immigration Rules (Cm 7944)","text":"That this House opposes the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules laid on 1October 2010, Cm 7944, on account of its introduction of compulsory English language tests for non-EEA migrants applying to join or remain with their British or settled spouses, fianc(e)s or partners in the UK as it will discriminate against South Asians, women, those in conflict zones and poor people in developing countries who will struggle to access English teaching before coming to the UK; notes that it will also generate hardship for certain groups of refugees, and former refugees with British citizenship who wish to be reunited with their spouses, and that such individuals cannot return to their home countries to live with their spouses for fear of torture or persecution; and believes this measure risks breaching the European Convention on Human Rights whilst also undermining the spirit of the Refugee Convention.","date":"2010-10-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41615","proposer":"11707","edm":"658","session":"2010-12","title":"Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit","text":"That this House is concerned at the decision by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to cut the legal aid contract of the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) from October; notes that this cut amounts toa 70 per cent. reduction in legal aid that the GMIAU canprovide; further notes that the GMIAU is a fully independent voluntary organisation; recognises the invaluable service the GMIAU has provided, and continues to provide, to individuals involved in numerous asylum and immigration cases; further notes that thisservice has been provided for free to those qualifying under the Legal Help scheme; expresses concern that the GMIAU may not be able to continue assisting in as many cases as it currently does; is furtherconcerned about the future welfare of those who could face possible deportation without the legal assistance provided by the GMIAU; and calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to intervene and urgently review the decision by the LSC.","date":"2010-07-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41582","proposer":"11559","edm":"625","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration (Hc 382)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules(HC 382), a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 July, be disapproved.","date":"2010-07-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41552","proposer":"10614","edm":"595","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration (Hc 96)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules(HC 96), a copy of which was laid before this House on 15 July, be disapproved.","date":"2010-07-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41560","proposer":"24754","edm":"603","session":"2010-12","title":"Requirements On Prospective English Language Students","text":"That this House disapproves of sections 17 and 18 of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, HC 382, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 July 2010 for implementation on 23 July 2010; and calls on the Government to bring forward rules which do not require prospective English language students to achieve B1 standard English before their studies, in recognition of the potential damage the proposed rules could do to this vital 1.5 billion industry.","date":"2010-07-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41448","proposer":"10057","edm":"495","session":"2010-12","title":"Entry Clearance And Appeal Delay","text":"That this House believes that in particular cases, such as the request for a family visit by the overseas mother of a woman in Britain who had a complex premature birth of asecond child, and whose husband works long hours at moderate pay, a delay of over 10 weeks before there is further information on the appeal against the refusal of a visa is inappropriate; and further believes it to be rightfor Entry Clearance to be granted without delay in such a case.","date":"2010-07-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41391","proposer":"24819","edm":"448","session":"2010-12","title":"Refugee And Migrant Justice (No. 2)","text":"That this House recognises the outstanding service provided byRefugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ)and expresses regret at its recent closure; notes that the Legal Services Commission (LSC)is ensuring that existing clients of the organisation continue to have proper advice and representation; expresses concern that the LSC may experience delays in finding providers to take onRMJ's 10,000 cases; and calls on the Home Office to prevent any planned removals of people who have been unable to access legal advice following the closure of RMJ.","date":"2010-07-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41318","proposer":"24818","edm":"378","session":"2010-12","title":"Refugee And Migrant Justice","text":"That this House notes with concern that the entering into administration of refugee and migrant justice has left many of the charity's vulnerable clients without adequate legal representation; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Home Department not to reject any asylum applications or conduct any deportations of such individuals until alternative representation has been secured.","date":"2010-07-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41114","proposer":"24910","edm":"191","session":"2010-12","title":"Refugee And Migrant Justice Charity","text":"That this House notes that the legal advice charity Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ) is in danger of closing because it is facing a cash crisis because a large proportion of legal aid work is now paid upon completion, meaning payment can take anything up to two years; further notes that as a result the charity has a \u00a31.8 million backlog of payments; further notes that senior legal and human rights experts, faith leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Citizens Advice, Liberty and Mind all back the campaign to rescue the legal advice charity from the cash crisis that is not of their own making; is aware that RMJ is not asking for new money but simply prompt payment of legal aid by the Legal Services Commission, or failing that, interest-free loans by the Government to cover the gap; and calls for the legal aid payment system to be changed to ensure charities are paid promptly for their work.","date":"2010-06-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"41030","proposer":"24784","edm":"114","session":"2010-12","title":"Awarding Of Jubilee Medal To Immigration Officers","text":"That this House recognises the good work of immigration officers; considers that they should be retrospectively awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal, and considered for the Diamond Jubilee Medal; and further recognises that many immigration officers were understandably upset when they were not awarded the Jubilee Medal, unlike other important public servants, given their role in the frontline keeping the UK safe from terrorists, such as the hijackers at Stansted Airport, and other security threats.","date":"2010-05-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40884","proposer":"10133","edm":"1224","session":"2009-10","title":"Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre","text":"That this House notes that two of the Government's most senior professional advisers, the Children's Commissioner for England and Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, have stated unequivocally that Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre, near Bedford, is `no place for a child'; further notes that their detailed reports, published respectively in February and March 2010, catalogue compelling reasons for concluding that the welfare of children is `clearly and adversely affected' at Yarl's Wood; believes that the reports make shameful reading for a country which prides itself in having the welfare of children at the heart of its legislation; further notes that both reports recommend greater attention by the relevant Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and that the Children's Commissioner reports that the LSCB is already reviewing an allegation of sexually harmful behaviour between unrelated young children at Yarl's Wood; and further believes that immediate rectification is required to safeguard children in the Government's care at Yarl's Wood Immigration Centre.","date":"2010-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40654","proposer":"10213","edm":"1028","session":"2009-10","title":"Settlement Of Gurkhas","text":"That this House commends the work of the Gurkha Settlement Office in providing free and accurate advice to ex-Gurkhas; is concerned by reports of exploitation of ex-Gurkhas by unscrupulous agencies operating in Nepal; and encourages the Government to take urgent steps to ensure that ex-Gurkhas are fully prepared and equipped for life in the UK before leaving Nepal.","date":"2010-03-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40528","proposer":"10383","edm":"919","session":"2009-10","title":"Hunger Strike At Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre","text":"That this House notes that women detained in Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre have been on hunger strike since 5 February 2010 in protest against being detained for up to two years; condemns the detention of victims of rape and other torture, of mothers separated from their children and anyone who does not face imminent removal; believes that such detention flouts international conventions and UK immigration rules; requests that HM Inspector of Prisons urgently carries out an independent investigation into reports of violence, mistreatment and racist abuse from guards, being kettled for over five hours in a hallway, denied access to toilets and water and locked out in the freezing cold, which women have made to their lawyers, the media and supporters, including the All African Women's Group and Black Women's Rape Action Project; and calls for a moratorium on all removals and deportations of the women who took part in the hunger strike pending the results of that investigation.","date":"2010-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40531","proposer":"11812","edm":"922","session":"2009-10","title":"Immigration (Hc 367)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 367), a copy of which was laid before this House on 10 February, be disapproved.","date":"2010-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40411","proposer":"10001","edm":"811","session":"2009-10","title":"Children In Immigration Removal Centres","text":"That this House notes the \u00a3100,000 settlement paid by the Home Office to Carmen Quiroga and her children for their false imprisonment in Oakington Detention Centre for 42 days; is concerned about the increasing length of time families are detained for, with some being detained for over 120 days; is further concerned over the psychological damage that may occur in children following any period of detention; notes that Oakington was initially meant to be used as a short-term measure and closed in 2006, yet has been in operation for 10 years; recognises Chief Prison Inspector Anne Owers' report on detention centres condemning the use of child imprisonment; and urges the Government to extend the provisions of the relevant children's legislation to include children in detention.","date":"2010-02-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40327","proposer":"10218","edm":"736","session":"2009-10","title":"Accredited Private Colleges And Overseas Students","text":"That this House notes that the Government has introduced a system of accreditation for private colleges catering primarily for overseas students; further notes that as a result of this system many colleges have been closed and some colleges that have received accreditation have subsequently had that accreditation suspended and face the possibility of closure; further notes that the system of accreditation has been understandably taken by overseas students and that the colleges they are applying to study at are bona fide legitimate institutions; further notes that students who have enrolled at colleges which subsequently lose accreditation are then denied the courses they have paid for and face losing their visa rights obliging them to return home with their courses uncompleted and without refund of the fees, fares and living expenses they have incurred; believes that the Government needs to take action to assist these students by offering flexibility over visas obtained in these circumstances, helping students to retrieve fees and find courses at alternative bona fide legitimate colleges; and further believes that if the Government does not provide this aid, Britain's appeal as a place for overseas students to come to study providing some $5 billion of revenue per annum will be jeopardised.","date":"2010-01-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"40232","proposer":"10353","edm":"647","session":"2009-10","title":"Review Of Student Visas","text":"That this House welcomes the Prime Minister's assurance in his speech on Education as a global growth industry on 14 January 2010 that all students who came to the UK legitimately would be made welcome, because the Government was not prepared to put legitimate colleges out of business or set back efforts to expand educational trade; and calls on the Secretaries of State for the Home Department and for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure that any recommendations for change to the student visa system made following the review which began in November 2009 support rather than damage existing legitimate courses and the properly accredited and registered schools and colleges offering them.","date":"2010-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39956","proposer":"11245","edm":"394","session":"2009-10","title":"UK Population And Immigration","text":"That this House is concerned that net immigration was 163,000 in 2008 and that this level of immigration will result in the UK population exceeding 70 million in 20 years; notes that 70 per cent. of the forecast population increase is due to immigration; recognises that to maintain the UK's population below 70 million, net inward migration would need to be reduced from 237,000 in 2007 to a maximum of 50,000 a year; and calls on the Government to restrict net inward migration to 50,000 a year and to withdraw from European agreements that remove the UK's ability to control immigration.","date":"2009-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39959","proposer":"10241","edm":"397","session":"2009-10","title":"Language Schools And The Points-Based System Tier 4 Review","text":"That this House is concerned that the proposals in the Home Office consultation regarding limiting Tier 4 student visas to only higher educational institutions would have serious consequences for genuine language schools; recognises the role English language schools play in local communities and economies; is extremely concerned about abuses of the student visa system for immigration purposes; and calls on the Government to crack down on bogus colleges and students, but opposes unnecessary restrictions on the applications of students to legitimate language schools.","date":"2009-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39898","proposer":"10353","edm":"338","session":"2009-10","title":"Review Of Tier 4 Points-Based System For Student Visas","text":"That this House recognises the important role of the English language teaching sector in the UK economy and in promoting a positive image of the UK; welcomes the steps taken by the Government and by the sector to introduce more robust forms of registration and the accreditation of course providers; acknowledges the need to deal with abuses of the student visa system, but is concerned that proposals being consulted on in the review of the Tier 4 Points-based System for student visas could result in some 50,000 fewer legitimate students a year coming to the UK's language schools, further education colleges and universities to study, causing severe damage to the sector and a major loss of income to the UK; believes that it is possible to deal with any abuses in the system in ways which do not damage properly registered and accredited providers of courses; and calls on the Government to work closely with representatives of those providers to agree an alternative solution to that currently being consulted on.","date":"2009-12-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39754","proposer":"11971","edm":"214","session":"2009-10","title":"Violence Against Women And The No Recourse To Public Funds Rule","text":"That this House commends the work of Amnesty International, the No Recourse to Public Funds campaign and the End Violence Against Women campaign; acknowledges that the current no recourse to public funds rule has a devastating effect on hundreds of women who are trapped in a cycle of abuse, unable to access basic levels of protection and support due to their immigration status; believes that the Government has a duty to protect the human rights of all women entering the UK regardless of immigration status, as stated in the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); further acknowledges the recent Home Office pilot project, but recognises the need for a permanent solution for all women; and therefore calls on the Government to exempt women fleeing domestic violence from the no recourse to public funds rule, to grant women's refuges the funds they need to offer protection from violence to all women suffering abuse, and to launch an integrated strategy to counter violence against women so as to prevent contradictory policies undermining women's rights.","date":"2009-11-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39676","proposer":"10451","edm":"139","session":"2009-10","title":"Detention Of Children","text":"That this House notes with concern that around 2,000 children are detained each year in immigration detention centres, some for periods of several months; further notes the opinion of Save the Children and the Children's Commissioner that this is unjustified and damaging; further notes that families with children are among the least likely to abscond; further notes that some EU and Commonwealth countries have successfully introduced solutions other than secure detention for families who have exhausted their asylum claims; and urgently calls on the Government to end the practice of holding children in immigration detention centres.","date":"2009-11-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39422","proposer":"11923","edm":"2172","session":"2008-09","title":"Metropolitan Police Human Trafficking Team","text":"That this House applauds the excellent work that the Metropolitan Police Human Trafficking Team has done to combat human trafficking in Britain; believes the team, which is specially trained in this field, is essential to the fight against human trafficking; recognises that with the upcoming Olympics, London could become even more of a magnet for traffickers because experience shows that where a large number of people gather there is an increased demand for sexual services, so a special police unit dedicated to combating the trade to provide these services will be extremely important; is extremely concerned that the team lacks funding and is threatened with closure; and further believes the team should not be disbanded as this would exacerbate the problem of human trafficking into Britain.","date":"2009-10-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39305","proposer":"11915","edm":"2074","session":"2008-09","title":"Missing Trafficked Children And Foster Care","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's recent efforts to highlight and combat the urgent issue of children being trafficked to the UK; is deeply concerned by the high numbers of these children who once identified go missing from local authority care; notes that child victims of trafficking who are not being appropriately supported or protected are vulnerable to further exploitation from their traffickers who, in the Home Affairs Committee's words, use the `care home system for vulnerable children as holding pens for their victims until they are ready to pick them up'; and calls on the Government to meet its commitment to all children in the UK by urgently launching an inquiry into the number of suspected trafficked children going missing and ensuring local authorities have the resources and expertise to provide foster care to all child victims of trafficking.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39286","proposer":"10614","edm":"2058","session":"2008-09","title":"Calais Migrant Camp","text":"That this House believes that the existence of the Jungle migrant camp in Calais, France was inhumane; welcomes the action taken by the French authorities to close the camp, but is concerned that this is only a temporary measure; congratulates the British and French governments on their continued cooperation on the issue; notes that this is not solely a British and French problem; and calls for immediate and consistent action from countries across the European Union resulting in the issue being dealt with from the moment of arrival in Europe rather than at the last stage at the furthest edge of the continent.","date":"2009-10-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39281","proposer":"10383","edm":"2051","session":"2008-09","title":"Deportation To Iraq","text":"That this House is alarmed at reports that over the last week, detainees in various immigration detention centres have been given removal directions that state they will be removed to Iraq and that the first deportation charter flight to southern Iraq was expected to leave on 14 October 2009; is concerned about the violence and bloodshed that continues to blight Iraq along with the widespread food shortages and lack of access to clean drinking water; deplores the deportation of innocent people to face violence, hardship and even death in a war zone like Iraq; and therefore calls for the deportation of Iraqi refugees to Iraq to be halted and for the Iraqi detainees threatened with forcible removal to be released immediately.","date":"2009-10-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"39212","proposer":"10451","edm":"1982","session":"2008-09","title":"Detention Of Children","text":"That this House notes with concern that around 2,000 children are detained each year in immigration detention centres, some for periods of several months; notes the opinion of Save the Children and the Children's Commissioner that this is unjustified and damaging; notes that families with children are among the least likely to abscond; further notes that some EU and Commonwealth countries have successfully introduced solutions other than secure detention for families who have exhausted their asylum claims; and urgently calls on the Government to end the practice of holding children in immigration detention centres.","date":"2009-10-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38937","proposer":"12004","edm":"1739","session":"2008-09","title":"Fishermen From The Philippines Working On The West Coast Of Scotland","text":"That this House strongly believes that the Government should quickly reconsider its policies regarding fishermen from the Philippines working in the waters around the Outer Hebrides and west coast of Scotland by establishing a six month moratorium on deportations; notes that these fishermen are not unskilled workers as they need several qualifications to engage in the fishing profession while filling a severe shortage of skilled fishing labour in the Western Isles; and further notes that deporting these fishermen will be yet another blow to the Isles as the Government is already planning to close the Hebrides Range which will result in the loss of almost 120 jobs.","date":"2009-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38902","proposer":"10614","edm":"1709","session":"2008-09","title":"Human Trafficking Offences","text":"That this House welcomes the recent sentencing of Abdul Hameed Sakhizada, Ahmed Shah Sakhizada and Abdul Wakil Niazi, the leaders of what was believed to be one of the most profitable people-smuggling networks uncovered in Europe; is extremely concerned that the global conviction rates for human trafficking remain very low at only 1.5 per 1,000 people and that out of 155 countries, 40 per cent. failed to record a single conviction for human trafficking offences; notes that human trafficking is second only to the drugs trade in terms of the amount of money made; and calls upon the Government to ensure that sufficient funding is provided to those working in the fight against human trafficking.","date":"2009-06-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38639","proposer":"10166","edm":"1471","session":"2008-09","title":"Bogus Colleges","text":"That this House believes that bogus colleges set up with the express purpose of enabling prospective immigrants to bypass ordinary UK immigration controls, and not providing education and training, prey on unsuspecting students from overseas and are damaging the reputation of UK education; and further believes that the future use of the word `college' in business titles should be restricted under the Companies Act 2006.","date":"2009-05-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38618","proposer":"10528","edm":"1453","session":"2008-09","title":"Detention Of Pakistani Students","text":"That this House calls on the Home Office to intervene in the case of the 11 Pakistani students arrested on 8 April 2009 as part of a security operation and released into UK Border Agency detention without charge and who are currently awaiting removal from the UK; notes that these students were not charged and that as such the human rights of these individuals are being materially breached; further notes that the fundamental tenet and basis of the UK justice system is being innocent until proven guilty; and calls for their immediate release to enable them to resume their studies.","date":"2009-05-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38599","proposer":"10521","edm":"1435","session":"2008-09","title":"Miss Joanna Lumley","text":"That this House congratulates Miss Joanna Lumley for her determination and dedication in campaigning so successfully in support of former Gurkha soldiers.","date":"2009-05-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38521","proposer":"10526","edm":"1362","session":"2008-09","title":"Settlement For Former Gurkha Soldiers And The Home Affairs Select Committee","text":"That this House believes that the new guidelines announced by the Home Office for the settlement of former Gurkha soldiers are unnecessarily restrictive, morally wrong and offensive to those dedicated Gurkha soldiers who are denied the opportunity to serve for the 20 year minimum period afforded to those of the rank of Warrant Officer and above; supports the decision of the Home Affairs Select Committee to call Ministers from the Home Office and Ministry of Defence to examine the consequences of this decision and to ascertain how many former Gurkhas would qualify for settlement and how many of the approximately 1,500 Gurkhas, including Falklands veterans, currently awaiting the outcome of their appeals would face deportation under the new guidelines; and calls on the Government to withdraw these guidelines and bring forward a new and more equitable ruling.","date":"2009-04-28","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38527","proposer":"10249","edm":"1368","session":"2008-09","title":"Notices At UK Borders","text":"That this House recognises that those who are treated courteously are more likely to respond in kind; congratulates the front-line staff of the UK Border Agency for their politeness and forbearance; and notes that this contrasts with the peremptory notices which confront visitors and returning UK subjects whose authors, unlike their French counterparts, seem unable to use please or thank you.","date":"2009-04-28","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38513","proposer":"10383","edm":"1358","session":"2008-09","title":"Settlement For Former Gurkha Soldiers","text":"That this House expresses its extreme disappointment at the Government's announcement of new guidelines for the settlement for former Gurkha soldiers which limits applications for settlement to former soldiers who have served 20 years or more or who have been awarded the highest military honours; believes that the Government's decision fails to recognise the long history of dedicated service to this country by Gurkha soldiers; and calls upon the Government to think again on this issue and bring forward a new and more positive statement.","date":"2009-04-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38499","proposer":"11221","edm":"1344","session":"2008-09","title":"Swarthick Salins","text":"That this House welcomes the decision of the UK Border Agency to grant Swarthick Salins leave to remain in the UK after he submitted a fresh application; welcomes the intervention of the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire; recognises the importance of a responsible migration system which is flexible enough to re-examine cases when new information is supplied; and wishes Mr Salins and his family well for their continued stay in Scotland.","date":"2009-04-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38368","proposer":"10780","edm":"1216A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Gurkha Servicemen And Residency Rights","text":"leave out `Great Britain' and insert `the United Kingdom'.","date":"2009-03-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"38337","proposer":"11245","edm":"1216","session":"2008-09","title":"Gurkha Servicemen And Residency Rights","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's decision to reconsider the rules governing the right of Gurkhas to settle in Britain; regretfully notes the anguish caused to thousands who have served in the British Army as Gurkhas by denial of residency rights; and praises the commitment of Gurkhas to protecting the interests of Great Britain.","date":"2009-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"37768","proposer":"10248","edm":"714","session":"2008-09","title":"Regularisation Of Undocumented Migrants","text":"That this House recognises the cross-party commitment to tightening UK borders and reducing undocumented immigration; notes with interest that such undocumented immigration has fallen by well over 50 per cent. in Spain following the 2005 regularisation programme; further notes that a regularisation would lead to significantly less opportunity for low paid workers to be undercut in the UK labour market as well as increased tax revenue for the Exchequer; recognises that the status quo leaves 500,000 people with no recourse to the police or justice system open to abuse, exploitation and profiteering by criminal gangs; and welcomes the debate on regularisation led by a broad collection of think tanks, unions, academic institutions, religious organisations and service providers and the Strangers into Citizens campaign.","date":"2009-02-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"37266","proposer":"10682","edm":"265","session":"2008-09","title":"Latin American Ambassadors To The UK And Immigration","text":"That this House thanks the Latin American ambassadors to the UK for meeting the Latin America and Brazil All Party Parliamentary groups; shares the concerns raised by them relating to the issue of immigration, which included the application of restrictive rules that will negatively impact on hundreds of Latin American students, the criminalisation of legitimate migrants and the heavy-handed treatment of Latin American citizens at British points of entry; and calls on the Government to meet the Latin American ambassadors to the UK and to address these concerns as a matter of urgency.","date":"2008-12-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36993","proposer":"10521","edm":"1","session":"2008-09","title":"Legal Right For Former Gurkhas To Live In The United Kingdom","text":"That this House believes that former Gurkha soldiers who served in the British Army for more than four years should be treated fairly and have the legal right to live in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation to grant those who left the Army before 1997 the same rights of residence in the UK as those who have left since 1997.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"37016","proposer":"11245","edm":"24","session":"2008-09","title":"Immigration Policy","text":"That this House believes that, whilst visitors should be welcomed to our shores, immigration is a valid area of public policy and should be addressed calmly and honestly; notes that immigrants are generally decent and hard working people, but further believes that failure to openly address this issue damages race relations; further notes that net immigration far exceeds Government predictions, having reached a quarter of a million a year without allowing for unrecorded immigration from EU countries; further notes that this has added a million to the UK's population in the last few years and, unless checked, will increase the population to 70 million much earlier than the Government's estimate of 2028; believes that public finances, services, housing provision and infrastructure are under tremendous pressure from this rapid and unsustainable increase; notes also that one million additional EU immigrants have been employed in Britain over the last few years while the unemployment of British citizens continues to rise rapidly; and therefore calls on the Government to review its policies on EU immigration and, to quote the Prime Minister, `do whatever it takes', even if this means changing Britain's relationship with the EU.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36846","proposer":"10777","edm":"2448","session":"2007-08","title":"Immigration (Hc 1113)","text":"That the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1113), a copy of which was laid before this House on 4th November, be disapproved.","date":"2008-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36254","proposer":"10378","edm":"1932","session":"2007-08","title":"Migrant Domestic Worker Visa","text":"That this House notes the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers to exploitation and forced labour; recognises the benefits of the existing domestic worker visa, which does not allow recourse to public funds, but gives the right to change employer, renew a visa (if in work) and apply for settlement after five years; welcomes the publication of the Oxfam and Kalayaan report The New Bonded Labour? that details the adverse impact on migrant domestic workers, of the proposed changes to this visa; further welcomes the recent Government Response to the Consultation on Visitors, which states that the domestic worker visa will be retained for two years and then reviewed; and urges the Government to protect the rights of migrant domestic workers and continue to work to end their exploitation.","date":"2008-07-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36243","proposer":"10105","edm":"1921","session":"2007-08","title":"Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 And The Construction Industry","text":"That this House is shocked to learn that a migrant builder working for a sub-contractor on the \u00c2\u00a3600 million NHS King's Mill Hospital, Mansfield recently received take home pay of just \u00c2\u00a38.80 for a 39 hour week after illegal deductions were made from his week's pay; is aware that other migrant workers on the site experienced deductions for tools and each had \u00c2\u00a376.80 deducted as their contribution to the construction industry scheme, effectively absolving their employer of national insurance contributions and holiday pay; applauds the efforts of the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) for helping resolve the matter with the main contractor on the site, ensuring the men will be reimbursed; notes that in London where migrant workers form 42 per cent. of construction employment, UCATT considers that abuse is widespread; and calls on the Government to provide better protection to migrant workers by extending the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 to the construction industry.","date":"2008-06-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36154","proposer":"11973","edm":"1845","session":"2007-08","title":"Josie Pasane","text":"That this House condemns the Home Office decision to separate Josie Pasane from her family, whom she has been living with for seven years in Broughty Ferry, and to deport her to South Africa; expresses concern over reports that Josie received incorrect advice from the Home Office over her status which has led to the order for deportation; notes that Josie, a graduate of Abertay University, is a valued member of the local community; and calls on the Government urgently to review her case.","date":"2008-06-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36116","proposer":"10623","edm":"1812","session":"2007-08","title":"Gurkhas","text":"That this House recognises the valour and excellent service provided by Gurkha troops operating alongside British forces in military conflicts throughout the 20th century and since; and believes that on retirement they should be granted full British citizenship should they wish it.","date":"2008-06-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"36121","proposer":"11420","edm":"1817","session":"2007-08","title":"British Home Children In Canada","text":"That this House notes that many Canadian citizens are descendants of British Home Children who were sent to Canada from the early 1870s to the late 1940s; further notes that these descendants are wondering about their origins but have some difficulties in obtaining information at a reasonable cost; and calls for the Government to liaise with the British Home Children and Descendants Association in Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotian government to identify how best to achieve progress in this matter.","date":"2008-06-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35893","proposer":"10210","edm":"1615","session":"2007-08","title":"UK Curry Industry","text":"That this House recognises the huge contribution made by the curry industry to UK society and the economy; notes the dependence of this industry upon skilled migrant labour and the subsequent concerns resulting from the recent tightening of immigration rules; calls on the Government to promote the training of chefs of curry cuisine from amongst the UK Bangladeshi community as an immediate measure; suggests that visas be extended for professional chefs already working in the UK curry industry; and urges that consultation with EU partners about whether the highly skilled migrant scheme should be extended to these specialists chefs.","date":"2008-05-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35839","proposer":"11038","edm":"1563","session":"2007-08","title":"Immigration Rules And Overseas Performers","text":"That this House welcomes the decision by the Home Office to classify a special visitor category which will continue to allow non-European performers to come to perform at international events in Britain at a low visa cost; and recognises that many events across the country, such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, benefit from the talents of these performers, and that this decision will ensure the continued success of such events.","date":"2008-05-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35600","proposer":"10218","edm":"1356","session":"2007-08","title":"Future Of Restaurant And Curry Industries","text":"That this House notes the enormous economic contribution made by immigrants into Britain through the restaurant trade and other industries; notes that many restaurants are having great difficulty finding staff owing to visa restrictions on the entry of workers from outside the European Union, while at the same time significant numbers of such workers are already in the UK but whose temporary work permits have expired; and therefore believes that enabling these workers to work legally through an extension of their permits makes economic sense and would avoid them having to return to countries outside the EU in order to apply for their permits from there, where there is the very real possibility these permits would be refused.","date":"2008-04-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35555","proposer":"10177","edm":"1316","session":"2007-08","title":"Economic Impact Of Immigration","text":"That this House notes the First Report of the Select Committee on Economic Affairs, Session 2007-08, on The Economic Impact of Immigration, HL Paper 82-I; and recognises that four of the authors of that report, the noble Lords Lamont, Lawson, MacGregor and Wakeham voted consistently for the acceptance of the single market when they were hon. Members and members of Mrs Thatcher's Government, and were therefore responsible for opening up the UK for mass migration of peoples from elsewhere in the EU.","date":"2008-04-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35536","proposer":"10428","edm":"1300","session":"2007-08","title":"Gurkhas Right To Remain","text":"That this House recalls the Government's announcement in September 2004, following a lengthy 18 month review of policy, that Gurkhas who had served in the British Army and who wanted to settle in the UK with their families should be allowed to do so and that immigration rules would be changed to enable this; was therefore alarmed to learn that this offer had only been extended to cover those Gurkhas who had served at least four years and been discharged after 1st July 1997, the date at which their brigade's headquarters had moved to the UK from Hong Kong; notes that Nepalese Gurkhas have played an active front line part in the British Army's activities in times of war and peace for nearly 200 years, with approximately 300,000 of them fighting alongside UK soldiers in both World Wars and other conflicts since, with 45,000 of them either killed or wounded in the process; and believes that, given the exceptional service they have given to the UK, their ties to the nation should be immediately interpreted as sufficiently strong as to warrant their fast track eligibility for either the right to remain or citizenship.","date":"2008-04-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35510","proposer":"10436","edm":"1275","session":"2007-08","title":"Employment In Ethnic Catering","text":"That this House welcomes the major contributions that Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and other ethnic restaurants, curry houses, takeaways and catering businesses make not only to culinary diversity, interest and excitement but also to the economy and British society in general; is concerned about their increasing difficulties in recruiting chefs and cooks of all kinds which have forced many to employ asylum seekers many of whom are now being dismissed or arrested under the Stop Illegal Working drive; feels that these problems are compounded by the new points-based system which requires unreasonably high English language skills at a level not attainable in the schools of their country of origin and formal qualifications not attainable by those who acquire their cooking skills from experience, often in family businesses; points out that all this has produced real difficulties for ethnic catering, excessive overtime hours, tens of thousands of staff shortages and in several cases closures of these small and medium enterprises; and observes that these problems are all brought out in the research report compiled for the Chinese Immigration Concerns Committee which comes to the conclusion that, if Chinese catering cannot quickly replace its workforce there is a real danger of a meltdown, a problem which also faces other ethnic catering businesses unless they are urgently recognised as an area of skill shortage with rules relaxed accordingly to allow urgent recruitment.","date":"2008-03-31","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35519","proposer":"10105","edm":"1284","session":"2007-08","title":"Mr Gafar Ali Hassan And Mrs Ali Hassan","text":"That this House is most concerned that Mr Gafar Ali Hassan and Mrs Ali Hassan who fled from Iraq to the UK in 2006 in fear of their lives have been told to prepare to return: considers that this decision fails to comprehend that Mr Hassan's Baa'th connections and rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Iraqi armed forces until 2000 make him a militia target; believes that if he were returned to Iraq there is a high risk of Mr Hassan being murdered; and calls on the Minister for Immigration and Asylum to intervene and give him and his wife the right to sanctuary until their well-being can be guaranteed.","date":"2008-03-31","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35429","proposer":"11672","edm":"1203","session":"2007-08","title":"Deportation Of Asylum Seekers At Risk Of Religious Persecution","text":"That this House notes with deep concern and regret that many of those who come to this country seeking asylum are currently facing deportation to countries where they are at risk of persecution, torture and worse as a result of their religious beliefs; believes that this is the case with deporting practising Christians to Iran with evidence that shows that they face persecution; notes the case of Mr Ali Pourakaberian who faces deportation back to Iran despite the fact that the Iranian authorities are aware that he is a practising Christian; and believes that there should be a moratorium for all those facing deportation when there is a serious and credible risk that they will face persecution in their country of origin as a result of their religious beliefs and that this should include Iranian Christians.","date":"2008-03-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35430","proposer":"11656","edm":"1204","session":"2007-08","title":"Irish Community In Britain","text":"That this House notes the recommendations of the Citizenship Review conducted by former Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith QC that call for a re-examination of the entitlements of the Irish in Britain; notes the failure of the review team to consult with representatives of the Irish community or the Irish Government; recognises the enormous contribution of the Irish to the wealth and prosperity of Britain, the richness of the Irish artistic, cultural and sporting contribution to its diversity, the distinction of Irish advocates and politicians, and the generous and enthusiastic role of the Irish community in civil society and charitable works; further recognises the importance of shared history and the special links between Britain and Ireland fostered by the Common Travel Area, co-operation on the European stage and the progressive implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; advocates continuing to encourage Irish nationals and citizens to travel without restriction between Britain and Ireland, to exercise the right to vote in their country of residence, to participate fully in the democratic process and to stand for elected office; and urges the Government to assure members of the Irish community that these rights are protected by law and will not be undermined.","date":"2008-03-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35416","proposer":"10262","edm":"1194","session":"2007-08","title":"Indefinite Leave To Remain For Gurkhas","text":"That this House believes that Gurkhas who serve and have served in the British Army are a credit to the nation and deserve the highest recognition for their bravery and commitment; notes however that Gurkhas who were discharged before 1997 have no right of leave to remain in the United Kingdom or to become naturalised British citizens; and calls upon the Government to revise immigration rules immediately to allow all Gurkhas who have served at least four years in the British Army to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and naturalisation as British citizen irrespective of their retirement date.","date":"2008-03-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35401","proposer":"10001","edm":"1180","session":"2007-08","title":"Mehdi Kazemi And The Treatment Of Homosexuality In Iran","text":"That this House is concerned by the case of Iranian teenager Mehdi Kazemi who is currently living in Holland; notes reports that Mr Kazemi's boyfriend was forced by Iranian authorities to denounce other gay men, including Mr Kazemi himself; is appalled at reports that Mr Kazemi's boyfriend was then hanged for the offence of homosexuality; believes that Mr Kazemi's life is in serious danger if he were returned to Iran; further notes that the Dutch authorities have rejected Mr Kazemi's appeal for asylum in Holland and are likely to deport him to the UK; believes that the Home Office view that Iran is safe for homosexuals as long as they hide their sexuality is contrary to human rights standards on sexual freedom; and calls on the Government to uphold its asserted position as a supporter of human rights by refraining from sending Mr Kazemi back to Iran and near-certain human rights abuses.","date":"2008-03-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35354","proposer":"10262","edm":"1134","session":"2007-08","title":"Treatment Of Non-British Service Families","text":"That this House recognises the considerable sacrifices made by the spouses and children of armed forces and other service personnel for this country; notes with concern that many non-British members of service families are being denied citizenship or leave to remain in this country; further notes that these service personnel and their families regard themselves as British, have built a life in Britain and in many cases have children who are British citizens; reminds the Government of its `duty of care' towards service families under the military covenant; and urges the Government to reconsider its position towards service families wishing to remain in the country for which they have sacrificed so much.","date":"2008-03-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35190","proposer":"10378","edm":"992","session":"2007-08","title":"Proposed Changes To Domestic Worker Visa","text":"That this House notes the vulnerability of migrant domestic workers to exploitation and forced labour and the benefits of the existing domestic worker visa, which does not allow recourse to public funds, but does give the right to change employer, renew a visa (if in work) and apply for settlement after five years; believes strongly that the proposal to introduce a business visitor visa that will remove the right to change employer and restrict the maximum stay to six months will dramatically increase the power of abusive employers and the incidence of domestic slavery in the UK; and therefore strongly urges the Government to drop this proposal and retain the protections in the current visa system.","date":"2008-02-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35208","proposer":"10436","edm":"1010","session":"2007-08","title":"Citizenship Proposals And Commonwealth Relations","text":"That this House is shocked to find that the Green Paper The Path to Citizenship includes a Government proposal to consult on abolishing the `UK ancestry' route to entry into the UK; points out that this route was a 1972 abridgement of a partial right which had been long available before, to allow Commonwealth citizens to come into the United Kingdom and work if they had a grandparent born in the United Kingdom; emphasises that such entry is an historic and a moral obligation, so that though the numbers entering are small, to even consider getting rid of it will produce shock, anger and dismay in Commonwealth countries which fought two World Wars shoulder to shoulder with the United Kingdom, and have maintained close relations since, and will anger the large number of families and relations with Commonwealth connections in the United Kingdom; and totally rejects the view expressed by Home Department officials to Commonwealth diplomats that the concepts of immigration and of Commonwealth that this route is linked to are `outdated', while New Zealand diplomats were `left in no doubt that neither officials nor Minister Byrne considered themselves bound to New Zealand by any historical ties', an amazing betrayal of the Commonwealth, a failure to understand history, and a brutal incomprehension of loyalties, associations, fellowships and relationships totally unworthy of officials who claim to be `putting British values at the heart of the immigration system'.","date":"2008-02-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"35182","proposer":"11345","edm":"987","session":"2007-08","title":"Tandoori And Curry Chefs","text":"That this House notes the concern of Asian restaurateurs that new immigration regulations are causing a shortage of tandoori and curry chefs; further notes that this shortage is threatening the viability of many restaurants that have contributed both financially and culturally to the UK; and calls on the Government to review the regulations, such as the need to speak good English before arrival, so as to ensure an adequate supply of temporary work visas for tandoori and curry chefs.","date":"2008-02-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34959","proposer":"10190","edm":"794","session":"2007-08","title":"Visa Application Of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi","text":"That this House expresses its grave concern at reports that Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi of the Muslim Brotherhood has applied for a visa to visit London; is appalled that al-Qaradawi has spoken in favour of suicide bombings and of the execution of homosexuals; further notes that al-Qaradawi has been banned from entering the USA since 1999; is dismayed that he could be granted entry to the UK; and calls on the Government to reject his visa application without delay.","date":"2008-01-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34951","proposer":"10193","edm":"786","session":"2007-08","title":"Immigration Hospitality","text":"That this House supports a proposal initiated, funded and operated by Waitrose, to trial the introduction of tea trolleys with biscuits into arrival halls at UK international airports to provide a warm welcome to weary returning UK nationals and visitors from overseas queuing up for passport inspection.","date":"2008-01-25","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34851","proposer":"11473","edm":"695","session":"2007-08","title":"Spouse Visas","text":"That this House condemns the Home Office ruling that a foreign national with a genuine and subsisting marriage to a British national who needs to regularise their stay in the United Kingdom must either return to their country of origin, accompanied by their British spouse and British young children, to apply for a United Kingdom spouse visa, which often entails a visit to a hostile environment which presents an unacceptable risk, or must travel alone and face an indefinite separation resulting in a stressful disruption to family life and support; welcomes the ruling of the Court of Appeal in AB (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department that a spouse who had married an overseas overstayer was entitled to have his right to a family life to be taken into account, although he was not a formal party to the proceedings seeking the removal of the overstayer; and calls for the Home Office to exercise the granting of discretionary leave to remain in the United Kingdom even when the requirements of the Rules are not met but where there are genuine reasons under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, relating to the right to respect for parents and family life, which make removal inappropriate.","date":"2008-01-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34779","proposer":"11589","edm":"626","session":"2007-08","title":"Right To Marry In The UK","text":"That this House expresses concern at the Home Office Certificate of Approval scheme which provides that only those immigrants seeking to marry at an Anglican church in England or Wales are exempt from the scheme; considers the requirement of permission to marry in the UK for immigrant members of other religions, or no religion, or in other parts of the UK, not only to be discriminatory but to be a violation of Articles 8, 9 and 12 of the European Convention of Human Rights; notes that this questionable scheme applies to immigrants regardless of the fact that they may be in the UK lawfully as recognised refugees or foreign students and cannot in any case obtain any immigration advantage by marrying; recognises the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Baiai and Others that the Home Office Certificate of Approval scheme is unlawful; regrets that the Home Office has since raised the fee for Certificate of Approval applications to \u00c2\u00a3295 per person; and calls on the Home Office to rescind this scheme.","date":"2008-01-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34787","proposer":"10001","edm":"634","session":"2007-08","title":"Children In Immigration Detention","text":"That this House is concerned that the Government persists in detaining children and their families in immigration removal centres; notes that recent work by Save the Children, Bail for Immigration Detainees, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Legal Action for Women, Refugee Council and the Children's Commissioner of England among others have found that detention centres are not suitable places for children to live; further notes that despite these objections children continue to be held in detention centres, at times for over 28 days; believes that holding children and families who are extremely vulnerable and in need of social and psychological help contravenes a plethora of human rights principles and laws; and calls on the Government to bring an end to the appalling practice of detaining children and vulnerable people.","date":"2008-01-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34788","proposer":"10001","edm":"635","session":"2007-08","title":"Allegations Of Racist Abuse In Immigration Detention","text":"That this House is alarmed by the recent report commissioned by the Border and Immigration Agency into allegations of racism in immigration detention centres; notes that investigations at immigration detention centres across the country found a catalogue of racist incidents and mistreatment of detainees; further notes that the report finds internal inquiries taking place at some centres to be inadequate; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to ensure staff working in these centres are fully trained in race relations and to create a robust system for internal inspection at the centres.","date":"2008-01-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34751","proposer":"10459","edm":"600","session":"2007-08","title":"Deportation Of Mr Alhassan Bangura","text":"That this House notes with concern the decision to deport Alhassan Bangura to Sierra Leone; expresses alarm that Mr Bangura is being forced to return to the country he fled at the age of 15, escaping witchcraft and threats to mutilate him; notes that this deportation affects not only Mr Bangura but his girlfriend and newly born child and ignores the valuable contribution he has made to his community through playing for Watford Football Club; further notes the overwhelming support from fans at the Championship football club where a rally in support of Mr Bangura was held on Saturday 15th December; welcomes the support of the honourable Member for Watford who has drafted a petition calling for Mr Bangura to remain in Britain; emphasises that this high-profile case is one among many facing the same grave situation; and calls upon the Home Secretary urgently to review the case of Mr Bangura and grant him indefinite leave to remain in the UK.","date":"2007-12-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34643","proposer":"10001","edm":"510","session":"2007-08","title":"Zarine Rentia","text":"That this House notes that Zarine Rentia, a Hackney resident and student at South Camden Community School has been threatened with deportation to India; further notes that Zarine has Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, a genetic disorder believed to occur in less than one in one million births, causing liver, kidney and intestinal problems together with severely stunted growth, and is receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital; notes that Zarine is a popular member of her school and an active member of the school council as well as a committed student due to take her GCSEs in the Summer; further notes that if she is detained in immigration facilities proper medical treatment will not be available; and in the light of all of the above and the current campaign endorsed by her school and the wider community, urges the Home Secretary as a matter of urgency to allow her to remain in the United Kingdom on compassionate grounds.","date":"2007-12-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34476","proposer":"10304","edm":"356","session":"2007-08","title":"Khaled Al-Mudallal And The Right To Education","text":"That this House is concerned at the situation facing Bradford University student Khaled Al-Mudallal who has been detained in Gaza since June 2007 as a result of restrictions on his movement imposed by Israeli authorities; notes that, according to Israeli human rights organisation Gisha, Mr Al-Mudallal is one of an estimated 670 students who have visas and places to study outside Gaza but have been prevented from leaving; further notes that Gisha is legally challenging the restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on Mr Al-Mudallal, and has pointed out `that Mr Al-Mudallal has not been able to leave Gaza, not because he has chosen not to, but because he is prevented from doing so'; recognises that Mr Al-Mudallal has a British residency permit allowing him to stay in the UK to study until 2010; believes that Mr Al-Mudallal should be allowed back to Bradford to complete his degree in business and management; and urges the Government to make representations to the Israeli government to allow Khaled's right to leave Gaza to continue his education at the University of Bradford and for the rights of all Palestinian students to access education.","date":"2007-11-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34438","proposer":"10614","edm":"320","session":"2007-08","title":"Office Of National Statistics Report On Migration","text":"That this House welcomes the report by the Office of National Statistics on the migration figures for Britain in 2006; notes that this reports a record exodus from Britain by 207,000 British citizens and 193,000 foreign citizens in 2006; recognises the contribution made to British culture, society and economy by migrant workers and foreign students coming to Britain; and believes that migration helps foster national prosperity and international links.","date":"2007-11-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34294","proposer":"10001","edm":"192","session":"2007-08","title":"Imprisonment Of Frank Kakopa","text":"That this House deplores the imprisonment of engineer Frank Kakopa in Belfast in 2005 on the mistaken grounds that he was an illegal immigrant; notes that the Equality Commission has condemned the imprisonment as unlawful and brought about purely on the grounds of Mr Kakopa's race; and congratulates the Commission on securing an out-of-court settlement and an apology for Mr Kakopa and his family from the Immigration Service.","date":"2007-11-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Immigration","id":"34203","proposer":"10013","edm":"113","session":"2007-08","title":"Immigration Status Of Senior Care Workers","text":"That this House notes that many senior care workers based in the UK who came from outside the EEA are caught between new departmental criteria on pay scales and employers who will not meet them; notes that many of the individuals affected have been resident in the United Kingdom for as long as six years; and calls on the Government to grant an amnesty of three months from the date of expiry on in-country extension applications for senior care workers where employers will not or cannot meet the pay criteria, to enable them to find alternative work within the same sector.","date":"2007-11-07","status":"c"}]