Thanks for the response. Just one point to note, this should be irrespective of countries and different airlines. It is based on rules and what is mentioned in the STAR charts for the airfield you are inbound to. It clearly states on the STAR charts that you cannot go beyond the clearance limit point (i.e the holding fix) unless otherwise instructed by ATC, Clearance limit point being defined as 'That to which an aircraft is granted an ATC clearance, which may be specified by naming a reporting point, an aerodrome or a boundary of controlled or advisory airspace'. Is it then do you think that maybe some pilots just don't read the small print? The rules are there for a reason.... namely, to keep you, the aircraft safe. I am not certain I understand how us, the ATCO's, and the pilots can understand such different things by this?