UPDATE DRAFT PRESS telno 1347 of
Ref
Gur
DRAFT PRESS NOTICE
мотит
22 JULY
•
Ref: Press0.42
EMBARGOED UNTIL [24] JULY 4.00PM
SPECIAL WORK PERMIT QUOTA FOR DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
The Secretary of State for Employment announced today that the special quota of work permits for unskilled and semi-skilled workers from the Dependent Territories is being reduced for 1991 and will be phased out over four years.
This special quota enables a small number of workers whose level of skill is below that required by the general work permit scheme to take up jobs in the UK.
In reply to a Parliamentary Question from Howard said:
Mr Michael
"It has been decided that there should be a quota for 1991 of 170 permits for use by Dependent Territories, with a maximum of 125 for Hong Kong.
[1
"We have also taken the opportunity to review the longer- term position of the special Dependent Territories work permit quota. Our conclusion is that it is now anomalous and inconsistent with our immigration control, in that it grants permits for jobs with skill levels below those required under the general Work Permit Scheme. increasing pressures on immigration worldwide, it is important that our rules are consistent."
With
"The quota scheme was never intended to continue indefinitely and has now served its purpose. Accordingly, the Government has decided that the quota should end. However, in order that Dependent Territories should have time to adjust to this, the quota will be phased out gradually as set out in the table below."