Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Visa Processing Times

Monday 20 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Visas and Immigration is prioritising applications for Ukrainian citizens due to the humanitarian crisis caused by Ukraine's invasion.
  • Greg Clark acknowledges the efforts to process Ukrainian visas but notes that applicants from Afghanistan and India lack updates and information.
  • The department is considering lessons learned from the Portcullis House hub to improve casework handling and modernise the immigration system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Clark Con
Immigration Ukraine
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of prioritising Ukrainian visa applications on other countries' processing times, noting an increase in delays.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of processing times for visas applied for by people from countries other than Ukraine? The MP notes that while efforts have been made to process tens of thousands of Ukrainian visa applications, other applicants are experiencing longer wait times and resource impacts. He seeks an understanding of these delays and any measures being taken.

Answer from Kevin Foster

UK Visas and Immigration is prioritising applications due to the humanitarian crisis caused by Ukraine's invasion, leading to longer processing times for other visas. Resources are being redirected to affected visa routes with a focus on visit, work, and study cases. The department will also prioritise compelling or compassionate situations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific measures addressing delays for non-Ukrainian countries were not fully detailed.

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Q2 Greg Clark Con
Immigration Ukraine
Context

The MP acknowledges the efforts made for Ukrainian visa applicants but highlights that other countries' applicants are not receiving similar support and information.

Question

The MP recognises the extraordinary work done to process Ukrainian visas and praises staff in Portcullis House. However, his office is dealing with many applications from Afghanistan and India where updates and information are lacking compared to Ukrainian visa holders. He asks if the positive lessons learned can be applied to ensure other applicants receive similar support.

Answer from Kevin Foster

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question, appreciating his praise. We are looking at learnings from the Portcullis House hub style which has been positive. Feedback suggests its ability to chase up casework is valued. As we modernise our immigration system, we consider how to provide automated updates on routes like skilled worker and AUK2 applications without applicants having to request them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific application of positive lessons from the Ukrainian visa hub approach to other countries' visa processes was not fully committed.

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