HC Deb 10 March 1989 vol 148 cc20-1W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which nations of the European Economic Community will still be in a position to issue visas to Iranian business men in consequence of the Foreign Affairs Council decision of 20 February; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The decision of the Twelve is not expected to affect the capacity of member countries to issue visas to Iranian business men. Iranian business men wishing to visit the United Kingdom must continue to apply for visas in third countries as before.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average time taken to secure a visa by Iranian nationals at Abu Dhabi, Geneva and other embassies used for this purpose.

Mr. Waldegrave

The waiting time for Iranian and other visa nationals for personal interview, which is an essential part of entry clearance procedure, at the majority of diplomatic missions in Europe and certain parts of the middle east is currently less than three weeks. It can vary between two days (Athens and Madrid) and 20 weeks (Dusseldorf). Visit visas are usually granted within 48 hours of interview, except where reference to London may be necessary.