Trinidadian teen signs for Saints

[CG]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/3659167.stm


Kenwyne Jones. What can anybody tell us about him?

[denver_mugwamp]

Although he only has two full international caps, new regulations concerning Commonwealth countries will enable Jones to get a two-year student visa.

Seems like an advantage for Canadian, Australian, and other Commonwealth youths. Anybody know the details of this change?

[Hank Rearden]

I don't pretend to understand the U.K. immigration law, but according to the UK Home Office website the following change (http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/default.asp?PageId=3185) was made in Nov. 2003 which may be part of the change the BBC was referring to:


"APPENDIX 3

SPECIFIED NATIONALS: ENTRY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

Nationals or citizens of the following countries who seek leave to enter the United Kingdom for a period of more than 6 months need an entry clearance for the United Kingdom issued for the purpose for which entry is sought:

Australia,

Canada,

Hong Kong (other than British Nationals (Overseas) under section 2(1) of the Hong Kong Act 1985,

Japan,

Malaysia,

New Zealand,

Singapore,

South Africa,

South Korea,

United States of America".



If I read that correctly, Kenwyne Jones probably has dual Canadian or some other citizenship (Trinidad is not listed, and I'm pretty sure it's no longer a Commonwealth nation - if indeed it ever was - but non-Commonwealth nations such as Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and the USA are listed). Since the USA is on the list does this represent an opportunity for US soccer players willing to study in the UK?

[Chesco United]

Trinidad and Tobago is a Commonwealth nation. http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=20724

[Excape Goat]

Since the USA is on the list does this represent an opportunity for US soccer players willing to study in the UK?


I also do not pretend to understand British law. Kirovski played for MU with a study visa. He was a student at some school in Manchester. He was okay until MU wanted to give him a professional contract. The Home Office turned him down. He did not have enough caps. If you read carefully, the article said:

"This will enable him to work and Saints hope that by the end of the two-years, he will have played in the requisite 75% of internationals to enable him to get a full work permit."

[Elninho]

The countries listed are probably covered by various treaties.