HC Deb 08 May 1989 vol 152 cc304-5W
Mr. Stern

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visa applications from Polish residents to visit relations in the United Kingdom remain outstanding at the latest available date.

Mr. Eggar

It is not possible to determine how many of the 1,991 short-term visit applications currently—28 April —under consideration at the British embassy, Warsaw originate from Polish nationals seeking to visit relations in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy for granting visas to Argentine nationals; how long applications take to be considered; and how many applications have been turned down in each of the last three years.

Mr. Eggar

Visas are normally granted to Argentine nationals, other than serving military officers, who can satisfy an entry clearance officer that they meet the requirements of the immigration rules. Straightforward applications lodged with the British interests section of the Swiss embassy in Buenos Aires are processed within three days. Figures for refusals are readily available only for visa applications lodged in Buenos Aires. These are:

  • 1986 — five
  • 1987 — three
  • 1988 — two