The Azeri Times interview with Ross Hunter, Entry Clearance Manager of the British Embassy Visa Services Directorate and Lionel Khoo, vice consul at British Embassy in Baku.
- What about the statistics of Azerbaijani applicants for British visa? Is this figure increased in compare with previous years or not?
- Last year we received 7000 applications for visa here. This figure was increased this year. Most of the applications submitted and resolved within three-five working days and 90 percent of them receive visas. Visa application in Azerbaijan is a process quickly than other countries. The consular sections daily limit of the applications. Earlier we could receive 27-28 applications daily and now we are receiving 45-46.
- Are the visa applicants satisfied with the new system?
- Points-based system has been implemented since last October. It is very successful system, subjective and transparent. Applicants can online assess their eligibility for each category before applying the visa section. We aim to improve this system. There was no serious negative case in the implementation of the points-based system. Points-based system is a global policy by UK Border Service has been introduced for visa operations to every country and applies all applicants.
- You said that there is no significant decrease in the amount of the applications after PBS system has been implemented, are you able to show us some statistic, details before and after?
- We haven't got some exact and specific statistics regarding this, but if you wish you can take it from Press officer here. But I can say that according to the number of visas we have received so far, it seems that this year we will issue more visas than last year.
- UK is in the first place among the countries which invested in Azerbaijan owing to BP or other big companies operating in our country. As far as I know there are no problems or restriction for UK nationals to come to Azerbaijan. Although UK has no oil and gas resources English language can be considered as one of the main sources of income and investment for UK, meaning as because of this language many tourists visit UK. That is why many people travel from Azerbaijan to UK to study English language and the question - might be there some special assistance or some privileges for students applying from Azerbaijan?
- First of all as a UK Border Agency we always welcome all the students from all over the world as well as from Azerbaijan. We encourage genuine students whether for English language or further education at the university for the future prospects. What I can say, people can go from here to study English courses and apply for student visitor visas which absolutely allow them to travel for a whether it to be a short course, or foundation course or university, , Generally, we choose reliable students who will meet up the hopes of Azerbaijan government as well UK Border Agency. The visa process for students is very easy, they can get online for obtaining a visa, their documents is being screened within short period of time, if they are reliable students we try to do our best that there would be no problems for them to obtain a visa. As regards the long term studies- PBS allows all potential students to go online, see the information, requirements, to check for criteria on website and really assess themselves before application, because before paying for applications these students already know if they can be successful with or not, if they are eligible or not.
- Are there restrictions or regulations due to "swine flu"?
- No travel restrictions. Obviously "swine flu" is a global problem, but in terms of visa procedures, it hasn't affected visa obtaining processes.
- Our newspaper is already being published for 11 years and one of the first outlets run in English, our main goal is promotion and popularization of English language, so what recommendations you can give for our readers in order they could obtain a visa to UK easily?
- It is always necessary to follow the guidelines for visa before they apply, you can see our guidelines in our website, if you don't have an access to internet, you can get information or any message through media, website or interviews like this, you can also publish articles, useful information regarding getting visas, the most important thing is to choose the right type, category for filling in, applicants should research the category very carefully before filling in. Actually because of this reason some people are refused a visa. Also applicants must try not to bring forged, meaning false documents, the documents should be genuine, reflecting current circumstances, we trust in transparent and accurate documents.
All the information is provided at the website of UKBA, although it is in English language, it is very easy and comprehensive; with little research interested people can get all the useful information. But there are some applicants who apply spontaneously; they get surprised when they learn that the category they chose was wrong. I would recommend to all applicants to be patient and to research the right category first, and then fill in.
- We are always ready to closely collaborate with British Embassy in Baku, to publish all visa related articles, procedures, useful information for our readers, broadly inform them in order they do not come across with any difficulties while getting visas for UK. Also we are going to launch a new online portal www.euep.info, the portal supposed to be in two languages, so materials can be placed in this portal with an immediate action, too.
- We are glad that you are willing to work us closely. If you will have a specific difficulties you can write your inquiries to UK BA office, and you will get replies in written format, also you can address to visa section of the British Embassy, but what I would say , you can find global, more broad, updated info, of course, at our website.
- Recently, meaning on May 7, 2009 "The European Union's Eastern Partnership program launched. East partnership program allows for easier travel to the EU through gradual visa liberalization, meaning the visa procedures supposed to be simplified. However, as far as we know from April UK Embassy in Azerbaijan made difficult visa procedures. What is it related with?
- To tell the truth we haven't made difficult the visa procedures, we just introduced the new point-based system, as I mentioned before, students can assess themselves before applying, in Azerbaijan 90% of the all applicants receive visas. Always new systems seem difficult, but I think gradually people will get used to this system. The percentage of applicant who obtained visas is more than in Azerbaijan rather in the other countries, and moreover visas are issued, processed in 4-5 days in your country, and this very short time. The appointments available for applicants are also double increased, so we can allow more people to apply. Summer period is very busy period as a lot of students want to visit UK for summer vacation courses, the assessment of documents takes 3-5 days, it would be better that applicants plan ahead and apply for visas 4-6 weeks before as it is very difficult to get available appointments because we cannot regulate this only applicants can choose appointments, the first come the first served basis.
- While changing the student visa procedures it was announced that the students can apply only for the certificated schools, universities registered by the UK government and the embassy will provide visas according with the with the list of these schools and universities. Has this list been finished?
- The list and documents has been completed for the schools and universities accredited in UK BA. But the list may be changed because there are some schools and universities, which have not applied for accreditation yet. The student applicants have to check online the list of accredited schools, their registration number and to choose the schools where they have to apply before paying the fees. The schools should be reliable and genuine.
- What about the UK plans to join the Shengen Convention?
- There are no plans to join the Convention at the moment. The UK is apart of the European Union. We have visa regulations and there are no travel problems with other European countries. There is an agreement with other EU countries, including Shengen countries on the biometrics. In the next couple of year, other EU countries will also implement biometric system in the visa and passport procedures. It is not a unique procedure. This system is implemented for identity, security and most countries are trying to use biometric passports now.