HC Deb 14 January 1987 vol 108 cc203-4W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the waiting time for the issue of entry visas from Ghana at the latest date.

Mr. Eggar

For business men and other regular visitors to the United Kingdom entry clearances, including multiple entry visas valid for two years, are normally granted within two days. For visitors who need a short interview the waiting time is currently two weeks. Applicants for settlement are normally interviewed within one month.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current waiting list for the issue of entry visas from Ghana and the figure over the past five years.

Mr. Eggar

As at 31 December 1986, 200 people were awaiting interview, 190 applications for visit visas and 10 for settlement.

Over the five years to 22 October 1986, during which period most visitors travelled without entry clearances, the waiting time was normally two or three days extending up to two weeks during the summer season. Settlement applicants during this period were invariable interviewed within one month.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are to reduce the waiting list for entry visas from Ghana; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The current two weeks waiting time for the minority of visitors who need an interview is a result of the days lost during the Christmas and new year holidays and the move to the new high commission premises which took place in December. The complement of entry clearance officers was increased from two to three last month and the high commission expects to be able to reduce the waiting time to five days by the end of January.