departments make inquiries known as positive vetting. This entails completion by the person of a security questionnaire, and certain background inquiries by investigating officers. The inquiries are concerned with political sympathies or associations of the kinds mentioned above and with any characteristics which might be potential risks to security. 352. One of the factors relevant in deciding whether persons not of United Kingdom origin are reliable is the degree to which they have assimilated to the country. Their length of residence in the United Kingdom is taken into account. Where a post is one for which the person has to be positively vetted, a period of at least 10 years' residence in the United Kingdom is generally necessary. For work of less sensitivity, five years' residence is normally required. Successful candidates not of United Kingdom origin who do not satisfy the residence requirements cannot normally be appointed to posts which involve, or are likely to involve, regular access to classified work. CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 76 353. All members of the Diplomatic Service must undergo positive vetting. Homosexuality, even if acknowledged, is a bar to employment in the Diplomatic Service. 354. The changes notified at paragraph 103 of the second periodic report continue to represent the current position. The latest version of the General Regulations includes an amendment to the nationality regulation (12.1), which now simply has a requirement for candidates to be Commonwealth citizens, British protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland. Previously, candidates other than British citizens were subject to a United Kingdom residential requirement plus parental nationality restrictions. 355. On 13 April 1989, the Minister announced certain changes in responsibility for civil service recruitment. After 1991, there will be a stronger monitoring role for the Civil Service Commission, backed up by legislation, to ensure 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the employment and recruitment process within the Diplomatic Service, specifically the requirements and restrictions for non-UK origin candidates. The focus is on the security clearance process, nationality regulations, and the monitoring role of the Civil Service Commission.

**Category**
Employment