§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the average processing time of applications by non-EEA national family members applying for EEA family permits has been since 1 February 1998. [72880]
§ Mr. FatchettThe information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, guidance to overseas Posts stipulates that applications for Family Permits are to be given priority. Whenever possible, a decision should be taken at the time that the application is lodged (or interview conducted).
§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for EEA family permits were refused on the grounds that the entry clearance officer judged the marriage to be one of convenience over the period 1 February 1998 to date. [72876]
§ Mr. FatchettThis information is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many non-EEA family member nationals applied for EEA family permits during the period 1 February 1998 to date; [72856]
(2) how many EEA family permits have been refused to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals exercising treaty rights since 1 February 1998; [72879]
(3) how many EEA family permits have been granted to non-EEA family nationals since 1 February 1998. [72878]
§ Mr. FatchettDuring the period 1 February 1998 until 31 December 1998, 11,275 non-EEA family member nations applied for EEA family permits, 10,522 were 601W issued and 109 were refused. The remainder (644) are accounted for by applications which were still being processed or had been withdrawn.