§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what quota system the British embassy in Moscow applies for the approval 575W of visitors' visas for Russian applicants hoping to come to Britain. [5376]
§ Mr. HanleyThere is no quota system. Each application is considered on its merits by an entry clearance officer and in accordance with the requirements of the immigration rules.
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total number of Russian visitors' visas granted in the current year to date. [5378]
§ Mr. HanleyIn the first 11 months of 1995, the British embassy in Moscow issued 86,085 United Kingdom and Commonwealth-dependent territory visas, of which 84,315 were UK visa issues for Russians. During that same period, the British consulate general in St. Petersburg issued 15,164 UK and Commonwealth-dependent territory visas, of which 15,147 were UK visa issues for Russians.
§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are used by the British embassy in Moscow to determine which visitors' visa applications from Russian citizens are approved. [5377]
§ Mr. HanleyEntry clearance officers at the British embassy in Moscow consider all visa applications in accordance with the requirements of the immigration rules, as is the case at all our entry clearance issuing posts overseas.