New family visit visa appeal regulations

[Terpe]

18 June 2012

The government laid the Immigration Appeals (Family Visitor) Regulations 2012 in Parliament on 18 June 2012, which set out who qualifies for a full right of appeal against refusal of a visa to visit family in the UK.

These regulations will come into effect from 9 July 2012. No changes are being made to the rules governing who can qualify for entry to the UK as a visitor and genuine visitors are welcome.

These regulations will change the appeal rights of family visit visa applicants, for those applying to visit their uncle, aunt, nephew niece or first cousin, or a relative who does not have settled, refugee or humanitarian protection status in the UK. They will no longer have a full right of appeal if refused. A limited right of appeal will remain for these people on human rights and race discrimination grounds.

As previously announced on 11 May 2012, the Crime and Courts Bill will, subject to Parliamentary approval, remove the full right of appeal against all family visit visa refusals. It is expected to come into force by 2014.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/si...it-visa-appeal

[Terpe]

Mrs May: The hon. Lady refers to ending family visit visa appeals.
It is right that we do that. It is the only immigration route that has a full appeal.
It will be quicker for people to put in a separate application for a decision rather than appeal.
All too often, appeals cases are lost because further evidence is brought forward when it might have led to a different decision had it been available in the first place.

Source:-
http://www.publications.parliament.u...#1206117000003
11 Jun 2012 : Column 59


Hmm, It's a pity that applicants aren't given an opportunity to provide additional information if the ECO feels it's necessary to help come to decision.
Especially when those applicants have already followed the published requirements.
Might save time, money, effort and heartache all round.