Antony Tillman

The Montserrat Access Declaration was a legal document that was created by Montserrat's government in response to the Islands' accession in the second half of the nineties to the United Kingdom. All residents of the Islands were invited to start a new life in Britain by receiving a letter on the 1st May 1996. Those who accepted this offer were automatically granted leave to live in the British Islands for two years, after which they would have to make an application for immigration status. At the time, a total of ninety-seven people had made these applications.

This process required a variety of documentation to be produced. These included an application form for an indefinite stay application which specified that no restrictions would be placed on the applicant's right to stay in the United Kingdom, along with information relating to their property availability and ownership. The application required details about the applicant's previous residence to be included. This was required to prove that the applicant had not received any benefit directly or indirectly from an organization banned in the Islands. Information relating to previous convictions, including minor offenses, was another important piece of documentation required for this application.

A number of different factors were considered in drawing up the Montserrat Access Declaration. For example, it was recognized that the Islands would need to provide information regarding its criminal justice system, in order to ensure that the applicant did not present a danger to public safety. Other criteria that could have an impact on whether an individual can enter the United Kingdom were also listed, such as whether the applicant is disabled or pregnant. All other relevant information was also considered in the drafting of the declaration.

At the same time, the declaration also contains information regarding the procedure that will be used in the case of any appeal that is to be lodged against the terms of the Home Information Pack. These details include the procedure for appealing and the time it should take to process the appeal. These details are crucial in ensuring that the applicant has fair access to the justice system in Britain. Before filling out the application form, individuals should carefully read the Montserrat Access Declaration.