The validity of new Nikkah Khuwani certificates for entry clearance purposes
The UK Border Agency operation at the British High Commission in Islamabad has carried out an investigation into the Nikkah Khuwanu certificates being issued in AJK with the regional Ministry of Religious affairs and has confirmed that genuine certificates and Nikkah Nama forms will be accepted as evidence of marriage in spousal visa applications. Visa applicants previously refused on the basis that the certificates were not admissable as evidence can appeal against that decision. The appeal must be submitted to the UK Border Agency in London directly at the below address: UK Visa Section, 7th Floor Apollo House, Croydon CR9 3RR.
5th January 2010
Pakistani migrants unable to enter the UK due to visa delays
Thousands of Pakistani migrants have been unable to enter the UK due to the delay in processing visas. In particular, students have been adversely affected as the delay has meant that they are unable to attend courses that have already commenced in the UK as they are told by sponsors that they can no longer keep a place for them. Similarly, the students are unable to enrol at Colleges or Universities in Pakistan, again for the same reason that it is now too late. The National Union of Pakistani Students has spoken about the difficulties suffered by genuine students and the BBC has reported that over 5000 students are waiting for their student visas to be processed.
The Home Secretary has confirmed that visa processing times are trying to be reduced however, in the meantime, the delays continue.
29 October 2009
Pakistan visa service update
Home Secretary Alan Johnson recently assured the Pakistani authorities that the Home Office are working to provide a more efficient service to Pakistani nationals on his last visit to the Country. He acknowledged the problems suffered over the summer due to IT problems and announced that the Home Office is working to reduce visa waiting times. The offices in Islamabad expect that visa processing times will be reduced to 15 days from November this year in accordance with customer service standards.
8th October 2009