Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Thursday, 8 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2012. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 March 2012 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to secure visas for the families of BBC Persia staff following the closure of the UK embassy in Tehran.

Answer: Regrettably, the closure of our embassy in Tehran following the attack on our diplomatic compounds in November has meant that all applicants must now travel outside Iran to obtain a UK visa. However, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) does continue to offer a full visa service to Iranians through the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. As in all cases, UKBA must be satisfied that applicants meet the UK Immigration Rules.The families of BBC Persian staff who have reported being harassed by the Iranian authorities have our full sympathy. I have called on the Iranian authorities to cease this harassment immediately.

Secondary information