Forum Topic

Daft isn't it...?

How all those interpreters and translators in Iraq who have been helping our troops are having great difficulty getting visas. etc. when we have countless people over here who are wanted in their own countries and not sent back in case they are held to account and possibly killed,the fate that awaits said interpreters if not granted UK visas.

Keith Iddon ● 6506d7 Comments

Claire,I am trying to highlight how daft and out of date the rules are when you consider some of those who  have been granted leave to remain here or whatever it is called are actively working against us and encouraging conflict and,at worst,terrorism in a 'blowing off the hand that feeds me'sort of way.I think sorting the wheat out from the chaff is LONG overdue in this country.

Keith Iddon ● 6505d

Having worked for a Government Dept with possibly the worst public face imaginable, we used to get really p****d off when we saw total fairy tales in the media, and the wimpish reply was always 'we cannot comment on individual cases'. When half the time that wasn't required - what it neeeded was someone with a grain of common sense and some balls to put the record straight generally. I do think though that leaving these people to their uncertain fate is a really cowardly act by us.

Vanessa Smith ● 6505d

If caseworkers bent the rules every time they HEARD a bleeding heart story the country would be overrun. That is why MPs and Ministers are able to intervene on individual cases based on the particular facts of that case. If caseworkers or decision makers did it every time they felt sorry for someone the country would frankly be a bigger mess than it is. I would just say, as someone that works for Immigration and has presented immigration appeals, please do not believe everything you read or see in the press. One of the biggest annoyances we have is that our side of the story is not put to the press as often as it should be but unfortunately the majority of the time, when the Daily Mail, Guardian or Channel 4 gets hold of a particular story we are unable to tell the other side as that would involve commenting on individual cases which we are prevented from doing under the Data Protection Act and Asylum etiquette.

Claire Peleschka ● 6505d

Looks like the Government are re-considering, Gordon has intervened, there may well be Rules for a lot of very good reasons, but sometimes humanity has to come into play, and after all Rules are made to be bent occasionally, when lives are at stake seems as good a time as any to me.

Vanessa Smith ● 6505d

As I replied to the Ghurka post, I will reply again. It's all to do with the Immigration Rules (HC395 if anyone wants to look it up). These rules are set in law and have been made up by various governments. There are a number of criteria that need be met in order to be granted a visa. Depending on what sort of visa is being applied for, they range from being able to show that they can support and accommodate themselves whilst in the UK without resorting to illegal working or applying for benefits. In some circumstances they also need to show that they will return at the end of their granted leave. If they are unable to show that they satisfy the rules they will be refused. If refused they will be entitled to a right of appeal where the case will be heard by an independant Immigration Judge. It is not as simple as, I think this person is an alright fellow and should get a visa and nor should it be. If they are being refused, it is for a reason that the Daily Mail does not want you to know because it reduces the sensationalism of their reporting.

Claire Peleschka ● 6505d

100% agree with you Vanessa and its a National discrace in my opinion.

Paul Fisher ● 6505d

Downright disgusting I think - this is the Ghurkas situation again, these brave people have put their lives on the line we should be welcoming them here to safety with their families.

Vanessa Smith ● 6505d