§ Mr. Speedasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average waiting time for determining immigration appeal cases for visitors refused entry at the Port of Dover; and what steps he is taking to reduce this.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonPersons who are refused leave to enter the United Kingdom when holding a current entry clearance or work permit are entitled to exercise their right of appeal before removal. These appeals are normally determined by adjudicators within two or three days.
Persons without an entry clearance or work permit must exercise their right of appeal from abroad. Such cases normally come before an adjudicator between four and six months after the date on which the appeal is received.
Steps have been taken to increase the staff dealing with immigration appeals and to introduce certain procedural simplifications. More part-time adjudicators are being appointed.