London: Britain has decided to tighten the immigration law to restrict immigration from "new Commonwealth" countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria.

A decision in this regard was taken at a recent meeting presided over by Prime Minister Tony Blair and attended among others by Home Secretary David Blunkett, Immigration Minister Desmond Browne, Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

At the meeting, convened for immigration "stock taking", Blunkett warned of a "dramatic" rise in applications to come to Britain from "New Commonwealth" countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. "Old Commonwealth" countries are Australia, New Zealand Canada.

What was needed, Blunkett argued, was a quota system, backed up by tough new restrictions.

Blair, according to a report in 'The Sunday Telegraph', agreed and called for a clampdown to prevent "abuse from the New Commonwealth countries".

An announcement should be made within weeks, the Prime Minister ordered.

According to the report, a leaked memo signals Government's intention to get tough on applications from among others, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

A Downing Street spokesman said the proposals for action would be made public "soon".