Family Visitors' Appeals
UK changes rules
Foreign nationals, who have been refused a visa for a short visit to see family members in the UK, will need to re-apply for a visa rather than launch a lengthy and costly appeal.
In future, the vast majority of applicants would lose the full right to appeal to reconsider their family visitor visas, according to a new bill that was published on May 11.
Refused applicants will, however, still be able to appeal on limited grounds of human rights or race discrimination, said a press release of the British High Commission in Dhaka yesterday.
The UK's Immigration Minister Damien Green said: “We are not stopping anybody visiting family in the UK; if an applicant meets the rules they will be granted a visa.
The change is included in the Crime and Courts Bill, which was published on 11 May. Subject to Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent, it is expected to come into force by 2014.
Until this time, interim measures will ensure that the full right of appeal will be limited to those who apply for visas to visit a close family member. In addition, the person being visited in the UK will also have to have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status.
These changes only affect applicants who have been refused a visa to visit family in the UK. No changes are being made to the rules governing who can qualify to enter the UK. Genuine visitors continue to be welcome.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments