Is it Really So Difficult and Time Consuming for the ECO to Get it Right?

[Terpe]

Interesting thread topic Lastlid.

Personally I would suggest that the 'statistics' are not accurate, but lets not turn this thread into a debate on the stats.

I wonder whether the following might help in understanding the basic process:-

Entry Clearance Basics (ECB) - Making a decision on an application


Some of the key wordings used include:-

"The burden of proof lies with the applicant.."

"The ECO / ECM has discretion to vary the documentation required to support an application."

"If the applicant does not meet the requirements of the Rules the applicant should be refused without interview"

"The ECO is encouraged to make quick, pragmatic decisions to resolve applications, on papers where appropriate, using Structured Decision Making, their expertise, local knowledge and focussed interviews. The ECO should not rely unnecessarily on documentary evidence."

Some of this stuff is quite worrying.

[lastlid]

The ECO should not rely unnecessarily on documentary evidence."

Some of this stuff is quite worrying.

I presume thats the bit that worries you the most?

Or do you think he / she follows up with phone calls also?

[Terpe]

I presume thats the bit that worries you the most?

Or do you think he / she follows up with phone calls also?

The thing that concerns me the most, is that the 'paper process' is more akin to ticking the boxes against immigration rules. At the same time the ECO's are given considerable discretion and this may well lead them into value judgements (which should not be confused with discretion or risk assessment - imo)

[lastlid]

The thing that concerns me the most, is that the 'paper process' is more akin to ticking the boxes against immigration rules. At the same time the ECO's are given considerable discretion and this may well lead them into value judgements (which should not be confused with discretion or risk assessment - imo)

I agree, but take the Marco example....how did the box ticking fair there? The initial checker must have ticked the boxes despite the documentary evidence....or he gave it to a 5 year old to tick? Or did it blindfolded.

Any example where a difficult value judgement is made should be double checked. Though, did Marcos require a huge value judgement?

[lastlid]

"The ECO is encouraged to make quick, pragmatic decisions to resolve applications, .....

Some of this stuff is quite worrying.

This too?

[lastlid]

Also it begs the question, what kind of persons do the UKBA hire? I used to think that Civil Servants were an elite bunch.....