Written question asked by Parmjit Dhanda (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, under what circumstances the Department may retain for up to three years the passport of an individual applying for (a) SET (M) and (b) SET (F). - (Holding answer 30 October 2003).

Answer: Mr. Dhanda: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances the Department may retain for up to three years the passport of an individual applying for (a) SET (M) and (b) SET (F). [135318] Beverley Hughes: [holding answer 30 October 2003]: In both cases a passport is normally held while the application is being considered. It is unusual for documents to be held for three years as non-asylum applications are normally considered within a 12-month period. However, only in exceptional circumstances where, for example, a further investigation is required by the Immigration Service might this time be exceeded. Documents can be returned on request at any time before a decision has been made although they may not be endorsed.

Secondary information