Bill 'could bring back border checkpoints
Mark Durkan MLA has met with representatives of Derry's minority citizens to discuss an immigration Bill which has been labelled 'draconian'.
SEEDS, which works with ethnic minorities in the city, say the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill could also bring back checkpoints on the Derry-Donegal border.
The Bill, which is currently going through Westminster, will strengthen border controls by bringing together customs and immigration powers.
Eddie Kerr, director of SEEDS, has slammed the Bill which he believes could spell the end of free movement between the British Isles.
The Bill, to be introduced at the end of 2009, will change citizenship requirements and create changes to travel between Ireland and Britain affecting students and deportees.
It could also include routine passport checks for air and sea passengers travelling between Britain and the Irish Republic for the first time since 1922.
Mr Kerr said the Bill was not far from being law but there was still time to make appeal for change. He said: "Mark had the opportunity to meet with some people representing the ethnic minorities in Derry and he has agreed to raise the concern about the bill and the issues facing the community in the city.
Mr Kerr said visa entry regulations in the UK were the most stringent in Europe. "They are changing this bill to create an Australian type point system," he said.
"It will go from five to three categories and it will stop the flow of migrant workers. So it will be harder for people outside the European Union to get here. It is very draconian.
"The Border Agency will have more freedom which will make them unaccountable.
"(Mr Durkan] said he will try and get some regulation and accountability. It was a successful meeting and he listened patiently to people speaking about the issues."
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 09 February 2012
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