Written question asked by Rudi Vis (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 1997. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 1997 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what arrangements exist in respect of visas, work permits and length of allowable stay to encourage the recruitment of non-European Union residents with special qualifications and expertise in areas where (a) the United Kingdom and (b) EU states have shortfalls.

Answer: Dr. Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements exist in respect of visas, work permits and length of allowable stay to encourage the recruitment of non-European Union residents with special qualifications and expertise in areas where (a) the United Kingdom and (b) EU states have shortfalls. [13112] Mr. Alan Howarth: The work permit arrangements are designed to allow UK employers to fill posts requiring high level qualifications, senior level responsibilities, or rare technical skills for which no suitably qualified resident labour is available. These arrangements are continuously reviewed to take account of changes in the UK labour market. Other EU Member States generally have their own, broadly similar, systems. Work permits are approved for periods up to a maximum of four years. The period of approval depends on the skills and experience required and the length of time the need is expected to continue. Visas are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Secondary information