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ps
Department of Employment
Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NF
Our Ref: PO 55673
WH Yip Esq
President
Telephone 071-273 5806/7
Telex 915564 Fax 071-273 5821
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Viscount Ullswater
HKD 213/1
Confederation of Chinese Associations
12 Richmond Way
Darras Hall
Ponteland
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE20 9HU
T 9:
19
52
pa
p = 25/9 Mr Man's (a)
?
September 1991
Dear Mr Zip,
WORK PERMIT SCHEME
DEPENDENT TERRITORIES QUOTA
Thank you for your letter of 2 August to Michael Howard regarding the phasing out of the Dependent Territories Quota for less skilled citizens. I am replying as Minister responsible for the Work Permit Scheme.
First, may I say that I fully appreciate the concerns you express about the possible impact of these changes on the catering industry. However, having given the matter careful consideration, I have to say that I am satisfied that the decision to bring the Dependent Territories Quota to an end is the correct one in the circumstances.
I should explain that these arrangements were never intended to continue indefinitely and they have been reviewed annually since their introduction. The quota is inconsistent with our immigration policy in that it grants work permits for jobs below the skill level set for the Work Permit Scheme.
As you are aware, permits are normally issued only for those posts which require professional qualifications, substantial administrative responsibility or rare technical skills.
With increasing pressures on immigration worldwide it is important that the immigration rules are consistent. For this reason the Government concluded that the quota should come to an end. It was recognised that to do so immediately would cause problems, particularly for those members of the Chinese
MPLOYMEN
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