§ Mr. Ian StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 April 2000,Official Report, column 414W, on entry waiting times, what plans he has to reduce the waiting times in each queue for entry to the United Kingdom in Islamabad and Dhaka. [122576]
§ Mr. VazThe High Commission in Islamabad has made good progress this year in reducing waiting times. The Post now has a full complement of entry clearance staff, which will be supplemented by additional temporary staff during the busy summer season. New reception arrangements, about to be introduced, should speed the processing of applicants. A high level review team will visit the Post in June to consider working practices.
In Dhaka, one entry clearance officer vacancy is being filled, and two additional entry clearance officer slots have been created. Dhaka will also receive temporary seasonal relief staff.