DRAFT PUBLIC LINE
CONFIDENTIAL
The quota is anomalous and inconsistent with our normal immigration rules, in that it grants permits to dependent territories citizens who would not normally qualify for work
permits in this country.
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- With increasing pressures on immigration worldwide, it is
important that our rules be operated consistently. Any measure which discriminates in favour of one group of people
is increasingly difficult to defend.
The quota scheme was never intended to continue
permanently.
It has now served its purpose.
Accordingly, HMG has decided that the quota should end.
But in order that dependent territories should have time to
adjust to this, the quota will be phased out gradually over
a five year period ending in 1995.
As a further safeguard, the position will be reviewed in late 1992 to establish whether the phasing out is posing significant difficulty for any dependent territory.
BAGAFJ/7
CONFIDENTIAL