Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 November 2008. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Entry Clearances: Kyrgyzstan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the applications for visas for the Kyrgyzstan musicians and performers invited to perform in the UK in November 2008 were received at the UK Embassy in Astana; when the applications were processed; when the applications were refused; and if she will make a statement;

Answer: The applications have not been refused and are in fact ready to be issued pending receipt of results checks. However, I regret that this is obviously too late for the event in which they were originally due to perform. I can only add my apologies to those which have already been extended to the Kyrgyz ambassador in London by colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the disruption this caused to the event he planned in November.The office in Almaty is working hard with engineers to rectify the problems as quickly as possible. UKBA hoped to resume a fully effective service in Almaty by 14 November.

Secondary information