Written question asked by Hugh Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 April 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 June 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 28 June 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps are being taken to facilitate the processing of seasonal agricultural workers scheme visas from (a) Romania, (b) Bulgaria and (c) Moldova for May and June. - (Holding answer 28 April 2004).

Answer: Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to facilitate the processing of seasonal agricultural workers scheme visas from (a) Romania, (b) Bulgaria and (c) Moldova for May and June. [168379] Mr. Browne: [holding answer 28 April 2004]: On 30 March 2004we suspended the processing of visa applications at the embassies in Bulgaria and Romania for managed migration entry routes, including the Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme (SAWS). On 19 May 2004 I announced that this suspension was being lifted for most entry routes, including SAWS, and the processing of visa applications for those wishing to enter the UK under the SAWS is now taking place as normal. The suspension of visa processing did not impact on Moldovans directly except that they were unable to apply for visas in Sofia and Bucharest to enter the UK under the SAWS. In the absence of a British visa post in Moldova to which they could apply they had the option to apply for a visa in either Kiev or Budapest.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 168379; 423 c27-8W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Agriculture Bulgaria Entry clearances Migrant workers Romania Seasonal workers Visas Balkans Work permits Moldova Seasonal agricultural workers' scheme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk