HC Deb 26 January 1973 vol 849 cc249-50W
Mr. Cyril Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff are employed by Her Majesty's Government in Pakistan on vetting applications for entry to the United Kingdom; what is the average length of time taken to consider such applications and to give a final answer to the applicant; and how long it takes for a would-be immigrant from Pakistan to obtain an interview in that country with his Department.

Mr. Kershaw

Fifty-seven staff are employed at Her Majesty's Missions in Pakistan on servicing applications for entry to the United Kingdom.

The time to final decision varies considerably with the circumstances of the application. At present, applicants for settlement normally wait approximately seven months for an interview at Islamabad and approximately one month at Karachi. These posts deal with all applications from dependants joining immigrants already here. Applicants for visits, businessmen, officials and the like experience no undue delay in obtaining clearance to enter this country.