Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1A 2AH
Telephone 01-
File Easter pr
حرک
128
Mrs Nye
International Social Service
HONG KONG
Your reference
Our reference ~KK 026/548/5(76)
Date 12 January 1977
Jear Mis Nye
Two months ago, at a very enjoyable dinner organized by Charles Drace-Francis, I promised to do a little research and let you know why if it was true HMG seemed to treat Arab and West Indian immigrants to the UK rather differently.
I am sorry I have taken so long about it and hope that after all Charles' emphasis on the need for me to keep my word, you didn't ever think that I wouldn't.
The rules controlling the entry of Commonwealth citizens to the UK are, very broadly, the same as those applying to the entry of other nations (though, in practice, the procedures are a little different). In particular, the rules controlling the entry of persons of independent means are the same for both groups of people, but it is inevitable that a monied Arab, if he is monied, is better able to satisfy these rules than a poor West Indian, if he is poor.
I must add that the number of Arabs who wish to settle in the UK is small and most of those who want to come can maintain themselves without any problems. However, although a very large number of West Indians. who would like to settle here more often than not havn't the funds to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules às persons of independent means, they are able and do enter this country in significant numbers under other Heads of the Rules, The figures in the enclosed return for 1975 speak for themselves.
I hope all this helps. I should add that I much enjoyed meeting you and Mrs Li (to whom I would be grateful if you could remember me).
Guid wishes
T J David
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