Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 May 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 17 May 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will ensure that the inquiry and visit to Sofia by Mr Ken Sutton of his Department into the Managed Migration scheme and related issues will take account of the impact that suspension of the issuing of visas will have on teachers appointed to schools in Essex and Thurrock; and if he will make a statement; when he expects to receive the report by Mr Ken Sutton into the Managed Migration scheme as it operates in Sofia; when teachers appointed to posts in Essex and Thurrock schools can expect consideration of their visa applications; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 30 April 2004).

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will ensure that the inquiry and visit to Sofia by Mr. Ken Sutton of his Department into the Managed Migration scheme and related issues will take account of the impact that suspension of the issuing of visas will have on teachers appointed to schools in Essex and Thurrock; and if he will make a statement; [170027] (2) when he expects to receive the report by Mr. Ken Sutton into the Managed Migration scheme as it operates in Sofia; when teachers appointed to posts in Essex and Thurrock schools can expect consideration of their visa applications; and if he will make a statement. [170028] Mr. Browne :[holding answer 30 April 2004]: We hope to receive Ken Sutton's report shortly. The length of the temporary suspension of the arrangements for those, in Sofia, seeking visas for managed migration schemes will be as short as possible. The impact on those wishing to seek entry to the UK legitimately under managed migration routes is a matter of regret. However, we consider that this temporary suspension was the right action in the circumstances and crucial to public confidence in the integrity of our immigration system.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 421 c788W; 170027;170028
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bulgaria Inquiries Immigration controls Immigration Entry clearances Essex Migrant workers Schools Teachers Visas Thurrock Eastern Europe
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk