Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 November 2005. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 14 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Abdel Karim Taghouti

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the UK embassy entry clearance office in Tunis has disregarded the submission of two faxed copies of the successful appeal of Abdel Karim Taghouti, Appeal No. OA/00652/2005, against their refusal to grant him a spouse's visa submitted to them by Messrs. Marziano Khatry Mak Solicitors; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The visa section at our embassy in Tunis received faxed copies of Mr. Taghouti's appeal determination from Marziano Khatry Mak Solicitors on 15 September 2005 and 25 October 2005. On receipt of the first fax, the visa section replied by e-mail to explain that an entry clearance officer must receive an appeal determination directly from the Home Office.The visa section received Mr. Taghouti's appeal determination from the Home Office on 31 October 2005. There was a public holiday between 3–7 November 2005, which prevented the embassy from contacting Mr. Taghouti. However, he approached the visa section on 8 November 2005 with his passport and was issued with his spouse visa.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 439 c959-60W;439 c959W; 28024
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Appeals Immigration Entry clearances Visas Tunisia Taghouti, Abdel Karim
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk