Written question asked by Lord Risby (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 April 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will review the effectiveness of the work of entry clearance officers, with particular reference to the refusal of visa applications. - (Holding answer 2 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the effectiveness of the work of entry clearance officers, with particular reference to the refusal of visa applications. [156528] Mr. Vaz: [holding answer 2 April 2001]: No, I am very satisfied with the practices and procedures which have been in place over the last four years. The work of entry clearance officers is kept under constant review by entry clearance managers, who have a specific responsibility for reviewing all visa refusals. Visa refusals either carry a right of appeal to the Independent Appellate Authority or are subject to scrutiny by the Independent Monitor appointed under the Immigration Appeals Act 1993 to monitor refusals with no right of appeal. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office/Home Office Joint Entry Clearance Unit carries out regular reviews of Entry Clearance Sections overseas.

Secondary information