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Answering member
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Bill Rammell
Type
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Rammell, Bill (44)
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We are bringing back student grants for British students, but we will have a robust process to ensure that we recover debts from other European Union students. We especially anticipate relying on European Council regulation 44/2001 for the recovery of debt from borrowers who live in other parts of the EU. We are already working on the process and we will ensure that, by 2006, we have a robust system in place to recover the money.
We are bringing back student grants for British students, but we will have a robust process to ensure that we recover debts from other European Union students. We especially anticipate relying on European Council regulation 44/2001 for the recovery of debt from borrowers who live in other parts of the EU. We are already working on the process and we will ensure that, by 2006, we have a robust system in place to recover the money.
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Asked by
Damian Green
(Conservative)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
The Minister knows that, of the many welcome overseas students in the country, 40,000 from other European Union countries are entitled to access to the student loan system. Unfortunately, the Government appear to have no recourse for getting the loans back from them when they return home. Is it not perverse that we appear to have a grant system for some overseas students in our universities but only a loan system for British students? What will the Minister do about it?
Subjects
Entry clearances; Higher education; Overseas students; Universities; Visas; Students; Student numbers
Date
16 June 2005
Reference
435 c389
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his interest in the issue. I understand institutions' concern but I am sceptical about the contention that a visa fee of less than £100 for an overseas student's course that probably costs £7,000 or £8,000 a year is the critical factor in determining whether students come to this country. Nevertheless, given the importance of the overseas student sector, we must ensure that we consider all the issues that affect the attractiveness of this country. I therefore regard setting up the joint education taskforce, which will be involved in the sector, as an important step forward. Let us examine the evidence and consider what has happened since the introduction of the Prime Minister's initiative. There has been a substantial increase in the numbers of overseas students, in marked contrast to what happened previously.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his interest in the issue. I understand institutions' concern but I am sceptical about the contention that a visa fee of less than £100 for an overseas student's course that probably costs £7,000 or £8,000 a year is the critical factor in determining whether students come to this country. Nevertheless, given the importance of the overseas student sector, we must ensure that we consider all the issues that affect the attractiveness of this country. I therefore regard setting up the joint education taskforce, which will be involved in the sector, as an important step forward. Let us examine the evidence and consider what has happened since the introduction of the Prime Minister's initiative. There has been a substantial increase in the numbers of overseas students, in marked contrast to what happened previously.
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Asked by
Stephen Williams
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
The 3,200 international students in Bristol contribute more than £28 million in fee income to the two universities in the city, inject millions more into the local economy and contribute greatly to the city's intellectual and cultural life. Given the Government's decision to increase entry visa fees by 136 per cent. from 1 July, does the Minister agree that that sends the wrong signal to students who are considering whether to come to this country or go to one of our competitors? Will he ask his ministerial colleagues, perhaps even the Prime Minister, given the initiative that Minister mentioned, to reconsider the decision?
Subjects
Entry clearances; Higher education; Overseas students; Universities; Visas; Students; Student numbers
Date
16 June 2005
Reference
435 c388-9
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am in regular discussions with the Home Office on those issues. It is critical to get the judgment right in the first instance through the entry clearance system about whether an overseas student is eligible for a visa. The clear advice from the Home Office is that an appeal process often means that the time lag is too great and the course has been completed. I have dealt with such issues and I know that to be the case. It is important to get the judgment right in the first place. The fact that we have set up a taskforce to oversee those issues should enable us to keep on top of the matter.
I am in regular discussions with the Home Office on those issues. It is critical to get the judgment right in the first instance through the entry clearance system about whether an overseas student is eligible for a visa. The clear advice from the Home Office is that an appeal process often means that the time lag is too great and the course has been completed. I have dealt with such issues and I know that to be the case. It is important to get the judgment right in the first place. The fact that we have set up a taskforce to oversee those issues should enable us to keep on top of the matter.
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Asked by
Keith Vaz
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
My hon. Friend will know, as a former entry clearance Minister, that it is not simply a question of an increase in the visa fees. The Home Office's proposal to abolish the right of appeal for those who want to come here as overseas students will have a massive impact on several universities. What discussions has he had with his Home Office colleagues about the proposals? Will he give an undertaking that, if any impact study shows that the number of overseas students will decline as a result not only of the proposals for entry clearance fees but the abolition of the right of appeal, he will try to persuade his Home Office colleagues to think again about these absurd proposals?
Subjects
Entry clearances; Higher education; Overseas students; Universities; Visas; Students; Student numbers
Date
16 June 2005
Reference
435 c389
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that there were 231,400 students from overseas in English higher education institutions—an increase of nearly 40 per cent. compared with eight years ago. The Department has taken steps to encourage higher education institutions to attract more international students through the Prime Minister's initiative. We recognised in the Department's international strategy the importance of the initiative and emphasised our commitment to continue to expand the numbers of international students.
The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that there were 231,400 students from overseas in English higher education institutions—an increase of nearly 40 per cent. compared with eight years ago. The Department has taken steps to encourage higher education institutions to attract more international students through the Prime Minister's initiative. We recognised in the Department's international strategy the importance of the initiative and emphasised our commitment to continue to expand the numbers of international students.
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Asked by
Stephen Williams
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Oral answers to questions
If she will make a statement on the number of overseas students attending university in England.
Subjects
Entry clearances; Higher education; Overseas students; Universities; Visas; Students; Student numbers
Date
16 June 2005
Reference
435 c388
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
If she will make a statement on the number of overseas students attending university in England.
If she will make a statement on the number of overseas students attending university in England.
Asked by
Stephen Williams
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Education and Skills
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 June 2005
For answer on
16 June 2005
Answered on
16 June 2005
The latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that there were 231,400 students from overseas in English higher education institutions—an increase of nearly 40 per cent. compared with eight years ago. The Department has taken steps to encourage higher education institutions to attract more international students through the Prime Minister's initiative. We recognised in the Department's international strategy the importance of the initiative and emphasised our commitment to continue to expand the numbers of international students.
Subjects
Entry clearances; Higher education; Overseas students; Universities; Visas; Students; Student numbers
Date
16 June 2005
Reference
4748; 435 c388
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations he has made to the Government of Uzbekistan about the restrictions placed on non-governmental organisations operating in the country.
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations he has made to the Government of Uzbekistan about the restrictions placed on non-governmental organisations operating in the country.
Asked by
John Bercow
(Conservative)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 December 2004
For answer on
10 January 2005
Answered on
10 January 2005
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations he has made to the Government of
Uzbekistan about the restrictions placed on non-governmental organisations operating in the country. [205275]
Mr. Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
We continue to be concerned by the restrictions imposed upon and the harassment suffered by the NGO community in Uzbekistan.
In February 2004 the EU wrote to the Minister of Justice stressing the importance of the contribution made to society by NGOs and
raised the issue again with the Deputy Minister of Justice in March.
We were very concerned to learn of the refusal of the Ministry of Justice to re-register the Open Society Institute in April. The EU
raised this with the Uzbek Government at senior ministerial level in a demarche, which was delivered by the UK as acting Presidency
in Tashkent. We are still pressing for an official response.
In November we received reports that the Uzbek authorities might not renew the visa of the Director of Human Rights Watch in
Uzbekistan, Allison Gill. We joined EU partners in bringing the issue to the attention of Foreign Minister Safayev in a meeting on
11 November. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary followed this with a letter to Mr. Safayev pressing for the renewal
of Ms Gill's visa, in which he said that: "the activities of civil society groups such as Human Rights Watch are an essential part
of a healthy democracy."
An extension has been granted until 31 December, We will continue to press for a full renewal.
Subjects
Visas; Non-governmental organisations; Uzbekistan
Date
10 January 2005
Reference
205275; 429 c60-1W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many visas were issued at the British Embassy in Syria in each of the last three years to (a) people seeking political asylum, (b) students, (c) visitors and tourists, (d) people seeking indefinite leave to remain and (e)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many visas were issued at the British Embassy in Syria in each of the last three years to (a) people seeking political asylum, (b) students, (c) visitors and tourists, (d) people seeking indefinite leave to remain and (e)...
Asked by
Tom Cox
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 June 2003
For answer on
16 June 2003
Answered on
16 June 2003
Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas were issued at the British Embassy in
Syria in each of the last three years to (a) people seeking political asylum, (b) students, (c) visitors and tourists, (d) people
seeking indefinite leave to remain and (e) people seeking to join their spouses; and if he will make a statement. [118921]
Mr. Rammell: Applications for asylum are not accepted overseas. It is unlikely that would-be asylum seekers would disclose their
intention to claim asylum on arrival to an Entry Clearance Officer as this would be likely to lead to the refusal of their visa
application. We do not keep figures for those who have claimed asylum on entering the United Kingdom after having previously applied
for entry clearance overseas.
There were 535 entry clearance applications from prospective students at the British Embassy in Damascus in 2000, 502 in 2001 and
377 in 2002.
There were 4,263 entry clearance applications in Damascus from those who wished to visit the United Kingdom in 2000, 3,525 in 2001
and 3,773 in 2002.
In 2000 there were 71 entry clearance applications in Damascus by individuals who wished to settle in the United Kingdom, 178 in
2001 and 287 in 2002.
There are no specific entry clearance categories for visa applicants who wish to join their spouses in the United Kingdom, or for
those seeking indefinite leave to remain. These applicants fall within the settlement category, statistics for which are given
above.
Subjects
Asylum; Entry clearances; Visas; Syria
Date
16 June 2003
Reference
118921; 407 c46-7W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many family visit visa applications were (a) received, (b) determined and (c) refused in each month since 1st January. - Inc table.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many family visit visa applications were (a) received, (b) determined and (c) refused in each month since 1st January. - Inc table.
Asked by
Lynne Jones
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 June 2003
For answer on
11 June 2003
Answered on
11 June 2003
Subjects
Applications; Families; Entry clearances; Visas
Date
11 June 2003
Reference
117345; 406 c924W;406 c926W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what rules Fedex imposes on its acceptance of visa applications for visits to the UK from Pakistan; what arrangements there are where such an application is outside those restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what rules Fedex imposes on its acceptance of visa applications for visits to the UK from Pakistan; what arrangements there are where such an application is outside those restrictions; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Harry Cohen
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 June 2003
For answer on
10 June 2003
Answered on
10 June 2003
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what rules Fedex imposes on its acceptance of visa
applications for visits to the UK from Pakistan; what arrangements there are where such an application is outside those
restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [117765]
Mr. Rammell: This information is available on the UKvisas website, the address of which is www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
The Visa Section in Islamabad remains unable to accept personal callers and all applications for entry clearance must be made
through the courier service, Gerry's Fedex. The High Commission is currently only able to resolve certain categories of application
and advises Gerry's Fedex which types of application they are able to accept.
The types of visitor application which can currently be considered are: Those who have travelled to the UK, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand or the USA within the last five years as a visitor. Business visitors with a letter of invitation from a company in the UK
who have travelled to the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the USA within the last five years and has evidence of this travel.
Persons aged 60 and over going to visit close relatives in the UK. Visitors with urgent and compassionate reasons to travel, who
have prior agreement from the British High Commission that the application will be accepted. Someone wishing to undertake urgent
medical treatment, with evidence of the referral from a doctor in Pakistan and an appointment letter from a doctor in the UK.
Upon receipt of the correct fee, Gerry's Fedex will forward the application to the Visa Section in Islamabad for consideration.
Those persons who wish to visit the UK but do not meet the criteria outlined, may apply for a visit visa in a third country. This
should be done with the prior agreement of the visa issuing office of the British Mission(s) in that country. Those applications
where there are exceptional and compassionate circumstances involved are considered on their own merits. The procedure allows the
applicant to fax the visa section, detailing the kind of application they wish to make and why it should be treated as an
urgent/compassionate case. If the Visa Section agrees that it can be considered, the applicant is sent a letter to take with their
application to Gerry's Fedex where it will be accepted.
Subjects
Applications; Entry clearances; Overseas visitors; Pakistan; Visas; Federal Express
Date
10 June 2003
Reference
117765; 406 c803-4W
House
House of Commons
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Taiwan.
Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Taiwan.
Lead member
Tom Cox
Answering member
Bill Rammell
Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Adjournment debates
Subjects
China; Foreign relations; Ministers; Overseas students; Overseas trade; United Nations; Travel restrictions; Visas; Foreign investment in UK; Taiwan; World Health Organization
Date
4 June 2003
Reference
406 c131-8WH
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the situation with respect to visa applications in Karachi.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the situation with respect to visa applications in Karachi.
Asked by
Lord Coaker
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 May 2003
For answer on
3 June 2003
Answered on
3 June 2003
Subjects
Applications; Entry clearances; Pakistan; Visas
Date
3 June 2003
Reference
114580; 406 c11W;406 c12W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects to process the visa application from Mrs Esther Anwar, the wife of a constituent; and if he will make a statement on his Department's handling of this case. - Including fact that I am withholding the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects to process the visa application from Mrs Esther Anwar, the wife of a constituent; and if he will make a statement on his Department's handling of this case. - Including fact that I am withholding the...
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 May 2003
For answer on
3 June 2003
Answered on
3 June 2003
Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to process the visa application
from Mrs.Esther Anwar, the wife of a constituent; and if he will make a statement on his Department's handling of this case.
[116502]
Mr. Rammell: I am withholding the information requested under exemption 5 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government
Information.
It is not our practice to disclose details of individual entry clearance cases in a public forum. However, I will write to the hon.
Member with regard to this matter.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Applications; Visas
Date
3 June 2003
Reference
116502; 406 c239W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (a) how many staff are employed, (b) how many staff are employed in the visa section and (c) how many staff in each visa section are non-British nationals in Her Majesty's embassies, High Commissions and posts in (a) Zimbabwe,...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (a) how many staff are employed, (b) how many staff are employed in the visa section and (c) how many staff in each visa section are non-British nationals in Her Majesty's embassies, High Commissions and posts in (a) Zimbabwe,...
Asked by
Humfrey Malins
(Conservative)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
19 May 2003
For answer on
22 May 2003
Answered on
22 May 2003
Mr. Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (a) how many staff are employed, (b) how many staff
are employed in the visa section and (c) how many staff in each visa section are non-British nationals in Her Majesty's embassies,
high commissions and posts in (A) Zimbabwe, (B) Somalia, (C) Afghanistan, (D) Iran, (E) Turkey, (F) Congo, (G) Sri Lanka, (H)
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, (I) Pakistan, (J) India, (K) Albania, (L) Algeria, (M) Angola, (N) Bolivia, (O) Brazil, (P)
Bulgaria, (Q) China, (R) Colombia, (S) Croatia, (T) Egypt, (U) Ghana, (V) Nigeria, (W) Jamaica, (X) Kenya, (Y) Morocco, (Z) Romania,
(AA) Sweden and (BB) Czech Republic. [115226]
Mr. Rammell: The information requested is set out in the following table, however, we hold no records centrally on local staff
nationality and this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. We have therefore provided the total number of
local staff in each visa section. The figures reflect staff year full time equivalents i.e. two officers working part time at 50 per
cent. equals one full time officer.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Letter Country Post Total staff Total visa staff Locally engaged
staff
A Zimbabwe Harare 60.9 4.2 3.1
B Somalia Mogadishu 0.0 0.0 0.0
C Afghanistan Kabul 23.0 0.1 0.0
D Iran Tehran 116.0 26.2 18.0
E Turkey Ankara 83.5 2.7 2.5
E Turkey Istanbul 113.3 34.0 23.3
F Congo Kinshasa 60.0 2.0 1.8
G Sri Lanka Colombo 107.8 14.6 10.0
H Serbia/Montenegro Belgrade 77.3 6.0 4.0
H Serbia/Montenegro Pristina 43.0 1.0 1.0
I Pakistan Islamabad 387.6 104.8 64.6
I Pakistan Karachi 91.0 28.0 19.0
I Pakistan Lahore 0.0 0.0 0.0
I Pakistan Sylhet 3.0 2.0 2.0
J India Chennai 48.0 22.9 15.9
J India Kolkata 49.0 6.0 4.1
J India Mumbai 119.6 42.2 28.1
J India New Delhi 348.4 61.2 46.0
K Albania Tirana 34.0 3.8 2.5
L Algeria Algiers 66.7 7.5 6.4
M Angola Luanda 42.5 1.3 1.0
N Bolivia LaPaz 40.1 0.4 0.3
0 Brazil Brasilia 132.4 0.3 0.2
0 Brazil Rio de Janeiro 34.2 2.8 2.2
0 Brazil Sao Paulo 42.8 0.0 0.0
P Bulgaria Sofia 78.1 14.2 10.5
Q China Beijing 215.7 46.3 31.6
Q China Chongqing 10.5 0.0 0.0
Q China Guangzhou 46.0 20.3 15.0
Q China Hong Kong 160.8 7.2 6.1
Q China Shanghai 49.2 13.7 9.7
R Colombia Bogota 99.6 11.9 8.2
S Croatia Zagreb 50.8 10.7 8.1
T Egypt Alexandria 13.6 0.5 0.5
T Egypt Cairo 161.0 12.5 10.0
U Ghana Accra 193.5 48.6 32.5
V Nigeria Abuja 113.5 18.2 12.0
V Nigeria Lagos 261.3 71.9 46.9
W Jamaica Kingston 73.5 7.8 5.6
X Kenya Nairobi 140.7 13.2 7.9
Y Morocco Casablanca 27.0 7.5 5.1
Y Morocco Rabat 32.3 0.4 0.3
Y Morocco Tangier 3.0 0.9 0.9
Z Romania Bucharest 84.2 13.5 9.8
AA Sweden Stockholm 59.5 4.4 4.4
BB Czech rep Prague 71.0 2.5 1.8
4,068.5 699.7 482.6
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Subjects
Entry clearances; Staff; Visas; Embassies
Date
22 May 2003
Reference
115226; 405 c956-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many applications for visas to enter the UK in each of the last five years were made (a) in total and (b) at (i) Accra, (ii) Banjul, (iii) Harare, (iv) Karachi, (v) Kiev, (vi) Lagos, (vii) Madrid, (viii)...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many applications for visas to enter the UK in each of the last five years were made (a) in total and (b) at (i) Accra, (ii) Banjul, (iii) Harare, (iv) Karachi, (v) Kiev, (vi) Lagos, (vii) Madrid, (viii)...
Asked by
Lord Lilley
(Conservative)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 May 2003
For answer on
22 May 2003
Answered on
22 May 2003
Mr. Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for visas to enter the UK in
each of the last five years were made (a) in total and (b) at (i) Accra, (ii) Banjul, (iii) Harare, (iv) Karachi, (v) Kiev, (vi)
Lagos, (vii) Madrid, (viii) Manila, (ix) Peking, (x) Quang Zhou, (xi) Rome and (xii) Shanghai. [113715]
Mr. Rammell: All entry clearance issuing posts submit an annual statistical return. This information is collated in the Entry
Clearance Annual Statistics booklet, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. This information is available for
the years 1997 to 2002. We are currently collecting data for the year 2002-03 and this will be placed in the Library of the House
when complete.
Subjects
Applications; Entry clearances; Visas
Date
22 May 2003
Reference
113715; 405 c955-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many failed asylum seekers from (a) Afghanistan, (b) Iraq, (c) Iran and (d) Pakistan have subsequently been granted early clearance to the United Kingdom on a visitor's visa in each of the last three years. - Inc no...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many failed asylum seekers from (a) Afghanistan, (b) Iraq, (c) Iran and (d) Pakistan have subsequently been granted early clearance to the United Kingdom on a visitor's visa in each of the last three years. - Inc no...
Asked by
David Chaytor
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 May 2003
For answer on
20 May 2003
Answered on
20 May 2003
Mr. Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many failed asylum seekers from (a) Afghanistan,
(b) Iraq, (c) Iran and (d) Pakistan have subsequently been granted early clearance to the United Kingdom on a visitor's visa in each
of the last three years. [112212]
Mr. Rammell: We do not retain statistics of the number of successful visitor visa applicants who have previously been refused asylum
in the UK. To obtain this information, visa sections worldwide would need to compare the names of successful visa applicants with
those whose claims for asylum had previously been refused: this would incur disproportionate cost.
Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) overseas consider each application on its own merits against the relevant requirements of the
Immigration Rules. An application from someone who had previously been refused asylum would not, therefore, necessarily fall for
refusal, although an ECO would take this into account when making a decision.
Subjects
Asylum; Applications; Iraq; Overseas visitors; Pakistan; Visas; Afghanistan; Iran
Date
20 May 2003
Reference
112212; 405 c723W;405 c721W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many applications for entry clearance are awaiting determination at the British High Commission in Islamabad; how many have been outstanding for more than (a) six months and (b) three months; and if he will make a statement. -...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many applications for entry clearance are awaiting determination at the British High Commission in Islamabad; how many have been outstanding for more than (a) six months and (b) three months; and if he will make a statement. -...
Asked by
Christopher Chope
(Conservative)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 May 2003
For answer on
19 May 2003
Answered on
19 May 2003
Mr. Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for entry clearance are awaiting
determination at the British high commission in Islamabad; how many have been outstanding for more than (a) six months and (b) three
months; and if he will make a statement. [114565]
Mr. Rammell: In the six months from 16 November 2002-16 May 2003, the Visa section in Islamabad has received 37,881 applications for
entry clearance. Of those applications, 22,416 resulted in visas being issued and 2,820 applications were refused. There were 12,645
unresolved applications.
For the three month period between 16 February and 16 May, Islamabad received 20,067 applications. Of those applications 14,303 were
successful and 784 were refused. 4,990 applications are unresolved.
Out of these unresolved applications, we estimate that about 2 per cent. will lead to a decision. The remaining applications are
those which cannot be resolved without an interview. As a result of the security situation, Islamabad is unable to offer such
interviews and the remaining unresolved applications will therefore be returned to the applicant with a request that they make new
applications once interviewing is resumed.
Subjects
Applications; Administrative delays; Entry clearances; Pakistan; Visas
Date
19 May 2003
Reference
114565; 405 c586-7W;405 c584-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he intends to discontinue the visa requirements for Slovak nationals who wish to visit the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he intends to discontinue the visa requirements for Slovak nationals who wish to visit the UK.
Asked by
John Cummings
(Labour)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 April 2003
For answer on
13 May 2003
Answered on
13 May 2003
Mr. Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to discontinue the visa
requirements for Slovak nationals who wish to visit the UK. [111198]
Mr. Rammell: All visa regimes, including that in respect of Slovak nationals, are kept under constant review and are lifted when it
is judged that the circumstances which gave rise to the imposition of the requirement have been addressed. The visa regime on Slovak
nationals will be lifted as soon as possible and at the latest by May 2004, when the Slovak Republic becomes a full member state of
the European Union.
Subjects
Entry clearances; Visas; Slovakia
Date
13 May 2003
Reference
111198; 405 c160W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the total cost was of providing the UK visas entry clearance service worldwide in the financial year (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02. - Including figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the total cost was of providing the UK visas entry clearance service worldwide in the financial year (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02. - Including figures.
Asked by
Simon Hughes
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
29 April 2003
For answer on
12 May 2003
Answered on
12 May 2003
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost was of providing the UK visas
entry clearance service worldwide in the financial year (a) 2000-01 and (b) 2001-02. [111083]
Mr. Rammell: The cost of providing the entry clearance service world-wide in 2000-01 and 2001-02 was £84,144,386 and £81,385,364
respectively.
As a result of changes in the way in which costs are attributed to the entry clearance operation by the FCO, a net loss of £3.3
million was incurred for 2000-01 when costs were netted off against income. Following on from this £3.3 million loss in 2000-01,
there was a further loss of £0.4 million in 2001-02 taking the cumulative loss to £3.7 million.
The operation appears to be on course to break even in 2002-03 with forecast income of £91.5 million and costs of £87.1 million.
The cumulative position is forecast to deliver a marginal surplus of around £0.7 million. Figures for 2002-03 are provisional and
subject to change.
Subjects
Costs; Entry clearances; Visas; Operating costs
Date
12 May 2003
Reference
111083; 405 c76-7W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the total cost was to UK Visas of handling applications for work permits in each of the last five years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the total cost was to UK Visas of handling applications for work permits in each of the last five years.
Asked by
Simon Hughes
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 April 2003
For answer on
29 April 2003
Answered on
29 April 2003
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost was to UKvisas of handling
applications for work permits in each of the last five years. [109609]
Mr. Rammell: Applications for work permits are handled by Work Permits (UK), a part of the Home Office, rather than by UKvisas.
UKvisas are responsible for assessing entry clearance applications from work permit holders, but the administrative cost of this is
met by the fee charged for all entry clearance applications.
Subjects
Applications; Costs; Entry clearances; Visas
Date
29 April 2003
Reference
109609; 404 c322W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which month's post is being opened by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate with regard to visa applications. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which month's post is being opened by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate with regard to visa applications. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Simon Hughes
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 April 2003
For answer on
29 April 2003
Answered on
29 April 2003
Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which month's post is being opened by the
Immigration and Nationality Directorate with regard to visa applications. [109507]
Mr. Rammell: Correspondence relating to visa applications is normally handled by the Correspondence Section of UKvisas. UKvisas
consistently opens mail as soon as it is received with the aim of processing all correspondence within the Cabinet Office deadlines
of 15 days for letters from Members of Parliament and 20 days for other letters. In 2002, UKvisas responded to 17,566 letters from
MPs, Members of the Public and others: 99.37 per cent. of these correspondents were sent replies within these target times.
Subjects
Applications; Administrative delays; Correspondence; Entry clearances; Visas; UK Visas
Date
29 April 2003
Reference
109507; 404 c327W
House
House of Commons