§ Mr. FlookTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the fee payable by Polish citizens applying for British visas was introduced and for what purpose; how much of the fee goes to the Polish Government; and for what reason British citizens are unable to pay for the visa in Britain. [41868]
§ Angela EagleFor many categories of entry to the United Kingdom, Polish nationals do not require a visa before travel i.e. they are non-visa nationals. However, 95W there are a number of categories for which prior entry clearance is mandatory for all nationals (apart from those exempt from immigration controls). A standard fee applicable world-wide is levied, according to entry category, by visa sections for each application for entry clearance. This is payable in local currency at the time the application is lodged. Administratively this is the most effective way of collecting and reconciling fee income. The entry clearance operation is self-financing and the fee therefore directly relates to the administration costs involved. None of the fee is received by the Polish Government.