Written question asked by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 16 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 April 2012. It was answered by Damian Green (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2012 on behalf of the Home Office.

Entry Clearances

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her Department's policy is on diplomats intervening in UK visa application cases; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: A request to 'fast track' (facilitate) an application for entry clearance can be requested by FCO staff members. The facilitation process is used sparingly for applications submitted by persons of very high standing in the local community where there is a clear overriding benefit, e.g. political or economic interest to the UK. Facilitation does not influence the entry clearance officer's final decision or consideration of the application within the immigration rules. All facilitation requests are entered in a register and the register is regularly checked by an entry clearance manager and FCO senior management.A statement will not be made on this issue.

Secondary information