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UK
Holidaymaker Scheme suspended The UK Visa Application Centre will not be accepting any further applications under this scheme. This service is being suspended due to a significant and unprecedented rise in the number of applicants under this scheme, resulting in a demand way beyond the capacity of the BHC and adversely affecting the wider visa operation. As of February 8 this year, the BHC introduced a new regulation which would enable it to temporarily suspend visa operations in countries where the demand for these visas were very high, resulting in a long queuing process and backlog. Head of Press and Public Affairs Section at the BHC, Margaret Tongue said at its peak, about 150-200 applications were being received per week. This has resulted in a 1400% increase in visa applications since the BHC started the scheme in November 2003. However, this situation will be reviewed after six months and operations may be resumed depending on the situation at the time and whether or not the scheme will disrupt the general visa operations handled by the BHC. All applicants who have already paid the visa fee, pending an interview will have their money refunded, she said. If applicants wish to travel once the service is resumed, they will need to reconfirm their interest at the UK Visa Application Centre and applicants currently in the queue will have priority for booking interviews, added Ms. Tongue. |
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