LONDON CONSIDERING INTRODUCTION OF VISAS FOR CROAT CITIZENS

LONDON, Sept 9 (Hina) - Great Britain at the moment is not considering the introduction of visas for Croatian citizens however, it is leaving "this option open", a spokesman for the British Foreign Office, Charles Hey, told Hina on Thursday. He said that the British Government is "constantly controlling" requests by immigrants for political asylum and that the introduction of visas for any particular country depended on migration flows and requests for asylum or requests for permanent residency. Speaking about the principles of London's policies regarding the introduction of visas, the spokesman said that such a decision was not tied to "any particular number which may be overstepped". He declined to comment on the possible contents of talks between Croat and British authorities, saying that the talks were of a "confidential" nature. The Foreign Office's spokesman added that Great Britain does not "announce the introduction of visas beforehand". In July this year, Croat representatives from the Interior Ministry visited London and Britain's officials conducted a return visit shortly after. Also discussed at the meetings was a format of cooperation to curb the arrival of immigrants. According to details at the British Home Office, London has received an average of 200 requests per month for asylum from Croatian citizens. Nevertheless, applicants usually request asylum for their families as well, so this number is significantly higher. (hina) sp it