Visitors stay reduced from 6 months to 3 months?

[from_india]

There is this news that the visitors stay will be reduced to 3 months (earlier they were allowed to say for 6 months).

Does anybody know the exact date this will come into effect? Also, lets say this will come into effect from 1st MAR, if somebody travels a day before that (say 28 FEB), will the new rule apply? Who takes the decision on how long a visitor can stay and on what basis?

Thanks for reading and please let me know if you have any information on this.

Thanks!!!

[vinny]

See also Visitors consultation paper

[Wanderer]

Who takes the decision on how long a visitor can stay and on what basis?

The IO I reckon, he makes a judgment as to whether the person is a genuine visitor or not.

For example if a visitor was searched, and UK job application papers found they might get turned back there and then. Or given 48 hrs or something.

Holders of short term student visas are frequently warned not to use the full six months term if on say a two week course, it happened to us!