§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for entry clearance are awaiting determination at the British high commission in Islamabad; how many have been outstanding for more than(a) six months and (b) three months; and if he will make a statement. [114565]
§ Mr. RammellIn the six months from 16 November 2002–16 May 2003, the Visa section in Islamabad has received 37,881 applications for entry clearance. Of those applications, 22,416 resulted in visas being issued and 2,820 applications were refused. There were 12,645 unresolved applications.
For the three month period between 16 February and 16 May, Islamabad received 20,067 applications. Of those applications 14,303 were successful and 784 were refused. 4,990 applications are unresolved.
Out of these unresolved applications, we estimate that about 2 per cent, will lead to a decision. The remaining applications are those which cannot be resolved without an interview. As a result of the security situation, Islamabad is unable to offer such interviews and the 585W remaining unresolved applications will therefore be returned to the applicant with a request that they make new applications once interviewing is resumed.