§ Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the facilities in Nairobi for Somalians applying for entry clearance in to the UK; and what plans he has to change the facilities. [139720]
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§ Mr. MullinOur Visa Section at the High Commission in Nairobi is still unable to accept applications from Somali applicants without recognised identity documents. I recognise this problem and recently discussed it with staff at the High Commission during my visit to Nairobi in October.
As a response to a specific threat at our High Commission in December 2002 security restrictions were introduced affecting personal callers wishing to enter the High Commission compound. In line with these restrictions the Visa Section is still only able to accept applications for entry clearance from those who hold appropriate documentation confirming their nationality and identity. I recognise that these restrictions cause particular difficulties to Somali applicants, We are looking at ways to resolve this.