§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state, for each country whose nationals require visas to visit the United Kingdom, and for each year since 1980 (i) how many applications were made for visas, (ii) how many applicants were called for interview, (iii) what is the mean waiting time between receipt of an application and approval or rejection, (iv) how many applications were rejected and (v) what criteria are used in deciding to reject an application.
§ Mr. WaddingtonI have been asked to reply.
Information on applications for a visa to visit the United Kingdom for nationals of countries who were 309W required before 15 October 1986 to have such a visa is not available centrally, except in respect of Sri Lankan citizens. Information in Sri Lankan citizens in Sri Lanka granted and refused such a visa is given in the following table for the period since 30 May 1985, when the visa requirement took effect. Information on applications received, applicants called for interview and waiting times is not available centrally. Applications for visas are decided in accordance with the criteria for admission given in the immigration rules (HC 169 as amended).
Applications by Sri Lankan citizens in Sri Lanka for a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
Number of Persons Period Applications granted Applications refused 30 May to December 1985 4,190 260 January to September 1986 4,700 300