Explanatory note

This Order excludes from the operation of section 1(3) of the Immigration Act 1971 (which exempts from control passengers travelling on local journeys within the common travel area, that is to say the area comprising the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) certain persons who enter the United Kingdom through the Republic of Ireland, (Article 3). The main classes of persons are those who merely passed through the Republic of Ireland, persons requiring visas, persons who entered the Republic of Ireland unlawfully and persons who are subject to directions given by the Secretary of State for their exclusion from the United Kingdom on the ground that such exclusion is conducive to the public good.

The Order also imposes restrictions on persons who are not patrial (other than those excluded from the operation of section 1(3)) and who enter the United Kingdom from the Republic after coming from a place outside the common travel area or after leaving the United Kingdom while having a limited leave to enter or remain there which has since expired (Article 4). These restrictions impose a limit on the period of their stay in the United Kingdom; except in relation to nationals of states who are members of the European Economic Community, a prohibition on taking up employment or any occupation for reward; and, in the case of certain person over 16 years who require a visa to enter the United Kingdom, a requirement to register with the police.