This Bill is designed to liberalise the nationality requirements for civil servants. Its provisions would amend the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Aliens (Restrictions) Act 1919. These Acts, combined with EC legislation, have led to the restriction of recruitment to certain areas of the Civil Service to UK nationals.
The Bill has Government support and would give individuals the opportunity, irrespective of their nationality, to be considered for the vast majority of posts in the Civil Service, and for other posts of employment under the Crown. The Bill's sponsor has presented earlier versions of the Bill since session 2002-03 without success.