§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many family visitor visa applications were(a) received, (b) determined and (c) refused at each entry clearance post in each month since January 2003. [120602]
§ Mr. MullinThe information requested is as follows:
Family Visitor Applications Received Family Visitor Applications Determined Family Visitor Applications Refused January 19,013 18,182 4,995 February 16,972 18,207 4,908 March 22,223 18,238 5,347 The table shows the number of family visitor applications received, determined and refused at our visa issuing posts worldwide for the period January to March 2003. The figures for April and May are currently being collated and are not yet available. Those family visitor applications which have been determined are those which have been resolved, either through the refusal or the grant of entry clearance.
The hon. Member may find apparent errors in the arithmetic. For example in February, 16,972 applications were received, but 18,207 were resolved. This is due to a variety of reasons. Applications can be carried forward from one month to the next before being resolved. Applications may be withdrawn during processing but still count as an application received. Posts are also required to count all applications received (a mother and three children on one passport may count as four applications, but only one entry clearance may be issued).