Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 June 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 15 June 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to make it easier for foreign students to obtain visas to study in the UK.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to make it easier for foreign students to obtain visas to study in the UK. [125963] Mr. Vaz: All our entry clearance posts abroad have been fully briefed on my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's initiative to attract more overseas students to the United Kingdom, and reminded of the importance of ensuring that the entry clearance process is as straightforward and user-friendly as possible. With this in mind, we and the British Council have updated our guidance material for students. We are also working with the British Council in a number of key markets to help students who are qualified to come here to submit properly completed and fully documented visa applications. This makes processing their applications easier and in many cases does away with the need for the applicant to be interviewed.

Secondary information