§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas were issued at the British Embassy in Syria in each of the last three years to(a) people seeking political asylum, (b) students, (c) visitors and tourists, (d) people 47W seeking indefinite leave to remain and (e) people seeking to join their spouses; and if he will make a statement. [118921]
§ Mr. RammellApplications for asylum are not accepted overseas. It is unlikely that would-be asylum seekers would disclose their intention to claim asylum on arrival to an Entry Clearance Officer as this would be likely to lead to the refusal of their visa application. We do not keep figures for those who have claimed asylum on entering the United Kingdom after having previously applied for entry clearance overseas.
There were 535 entry clearance applications from prospective students at the British Embassy in Damascus in 2000, 502 in 2001 and 377 in 2002.
There were 4,263 entry clearance applications in Damascus from those who wished to visit the United Kingdom in 2000, 3,525 in 2001 and 3,773 in 2002.
In 2000 there were 71 entry clearance applications in Damascus by individuals who wished to settle in the United Kingdom, 178 in 2001 and 287 in 2002.
There are no specific entry clearance categories for visa applicants who wish to join their spouses in the United Kingdom, or for those seeking indefinite leave to remain. These applicants fall within the settlement category, statistics for which are given above.