50.This section is intended to ensure that certain persons who have been exempt from immigration control but who would otherwise require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom do not remain for more than 90 days once they have ceased to be exempt, unless they have leave to do so. Under the Immigration (Exemption from Control) Order 1972, made under section 8(2) of the 1971 Act, certain personnel of international organisations with a branch in the United Kingdom are exempt from immigration control. In addition, under section 8(3) of the 1971 Act a member of a diplomatic mission is exempt from immigration control. In both cases, members of their family forming part of the household are also exempt. This means that, as they are not subject to any of the provisions of the 1971 Act relating to those who are not British citizens, many persons who cease to be exempt do not commit any offence of, for example, remaining beyond their leave, if they fail thereafter to apply for permission to stay here. Section 7 closes this loophole by deeming that limited leave of 90 days has been given from the date that exemption ceases. However, the 90 days of deemed leave will not supersede any leave granted prior to the period of exemption if that leave still has more than 90 days left to run upon cessation of exemption. Those who had been granted indefinite leave (settled status) immediately prior to exemption will have this reinstated.
51.Section 7 does not apply to persons who would not require leave to stay in the United Kingdom at the expiration of their exempt status. EEA nationals and their dependants will therefore be unaffected insofar as they are exercising EC free movement rights in the United Kingdom.
Schedule 14: Consequential amendments Section 7: Persons ceasing to be exempt