Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 1 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 March 1999. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 1999 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the fast-track immigration appeals system for weddings and funerals; and what plans he has to prevent abuse. - Including ref to Immigration and Asylum Bill.

Answer: Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the fast-track immigration appeals system for weddings and funerals; and what plans he has to prevent abuse. [74754] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The Immigration and Asylum Bill contains provisions which will allow applicants who are refused entry clearance to visit a family member in the United Kingdom to appeal against the decision. Applicants will have to pay a fee to appeal. The fee will depend on whether an applicant opts for a hearing on the papers or a full oral hearing. Applicants whose appeals are allowed will have their fee refunded. In order to prevent abuse, the Bill also contains provisions to enable the Secretary of State to accept a security with a view to securing that an applicant will, if given permission to enter the United Kingdom for a limited period, leave at the end of the period.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 327 c30-1W; 74754
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Abuse Appeals Applications Fees and charges Immigration Funerals Entry clearances Overseas visitors Weddings