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15/10/2003
Home Office tightens visa controls
Visa regimes are being tightened to help ensure the integrity of the UK's borders, the Home Office announced today.
From midnight tonight, citizens of Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Lebanon and Pakistan will need visas to travel through the UK.
Previously, people from these countries have required visas to visit the UK, but have been able to travel without one if they pass through on their way to a third country. The tightening of the rules is in response to attempts by some of these nationals to "circumvent the UK's immigration system", the Home Office said.
Exemptions will be made for certain categories of transit passengers with a low level of immigration risk, and these will be applied to all countries subject to a transit visa regime.
Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said: "Visa regimes are an important part of border control, reducing opportunities for abuse of immigration laws while easing travel by legitimate passengers.
"We are responding to intelligence that some nationals of these countries are using transit visas to flout our immigration controls and either enter the UK illegally or make unfounded asylum applications."
A grace period for those who have already made their travel plans will operate until 23.59 hours on 20 October. Any transit passenger who bought their ticket on or before 15 October will not be refused entry solely on the basis of not holding a valid transit visa.
(gmcg)
From midnight tonight, citizens of Angola, Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Lebanon and Pakistan will need visas to travel through the UK.
Previously, people from these countries have required visas to visit the UK, but have been able to travel without one if they pass through on their way to a third country. The tightening of the rules is in response to attempts by some of these nationals to "circumvent the UK's immigration system", the Home Office said.
Exemptions will be made for certain categories of transit passengers with a low level of immigration risk, and these will be applied to all countries subject to a transit visa regime.
Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said: "Visa regimes are an important part of border control, reducing opportunities for abuse of immigration laws while easing travel by legitimate passengers.
"We are responding to intelligence that some nationals of these countries are using transit visas to flout our immigration controls and either enter the UK illegally or make unfounded asylum applications."
A grace period for those who have already made their travel plans will operate until 23.59 hours on 20 October. Any transit passenger who bought their ticket on or before 15 October will not be refused entry solely on the basis of not holding a valid transit visa.
(gmcg)
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Algerian nationals required to hold travel visa
The Home Office has announced today that Algerian nationals travelling through the UK will be required to have a travel visa from midnight tomorrow. Algerians, who already need a visa to visit the UK, will now also need to obtain a visa to pass through the UK on their way to a third country.
Algerian nationals required to hold travel visa
The Home Office has announced today that Algerian nationals travelling through the UK will be required to have a travel visa from midnight tomorrow. Algerians, who already need a visa to visit the UK, will now also need to obtain a visa to pass through the UK on their way to a third country.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
