British HC asks IOM to stop new bookings for TB screening
Friday, 14 September 2007
The British High Commission has asked International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to temporarily stop new bookings for tuberculosis (TB) screening from those seeking Working Holidaymaker (WHM) visas to the UK, reports UNB.
IOM's phone-booking lines will not receive calls, but existing bookings will be honoured, said a press release Thursday.
It added that the WHM scheme is not suspended and the HC would continue processing WHM applications already booked.
"We know that the WHM scheme is very popular but limitless demand for applications creates pressures and risks the viability of the scheme," British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said.
"So, we are looking to help applicants by taking advantage of a pause to find the best and most sustainable ways to match capacity to this demand," he said.
He added that a sustainable solution to keep the WHM scheme running is in the overall interests of potential applicants, not a quick fix.
Anwar Choudhury said the reported activities of some visa agents in deliberately misinforming applicants and charging high fees on the basis of false promises have apparently compounded demand, at the expense of genuine applicants.
"The message is very simple. Do not use agents," he said.
"No one can guarantee you a visa… Do not believe anyone who says they can. Don't become indebted -- get the facts yourself from the British High Commission," he said.
IOM's phone-booking lines will not receive calls, but existing bookings will be honoured, said a press release Thursday.
It added that the WHM scheme is not suspended and the HC would continue processing WHM applications already booked.
"We know that the WHM scheme is very popular but limitless demand for applications creates pressures and risks the viability of the scheme," British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said.
"So, we are looking to help applicants by taking advantage of a pause to find the best and most sustainable ways to match capacity to this demand," he said.
He added that a sustainable solution to keep the WHM scheme running is in the overall interests of potential applicants, not a quick fix.
Anwar Choudhury said the reported activities of some visa agents in deliberately misinforming applicants and charging high fees on the basis of false promises have apparently compounded demand, at the expense of genuine applicants.
"The message is very simple. Do not use agents," he said.
"No one can guarantee you a visa… Do not believe anyone who says they can. Don't become indebted -- get the facts yourself from the British High Commission," he said.