§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the cost to UK embassies and high commissions of the appeal system for family visits in each of the last five years. [99897]
§ Mr. VazThe Right of Appeal against the refusal of visas for visits was withdrawn in 1993. There has therefore been no extra cost to UK Embassies and High Commissions over the past five years in this respect. An appeal system for family visits is to be introduced within the next 12 months.
30W
§ Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent estimate he has made, in respect of each of the five posts overseas that deal with the greatest number of visitor applications, of the need for further entry clearance officers to deal with family visit appeals. [99898]
§ Mr. VazAll visa issuing posts have been asked to estimate the likely staffing implications arising from the new right of appeal for family visits, which is due to be introduced within the next twelve months. We are assessing the responses but no final decisions on additional staff will be taken until the implementation procedures are agreed.