PROGRESS TOWARDS FULL VISA SERVICE IN PAKISTAN
(2 February 2004)

Visa applications in three new categories will be accepted in Pakistan from 16 February, as the next step towards a full service by the spring, the Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, announced today.

From 16 February, applications will be accepted from family visitors aged over 30, children for settlement and Retired Persons of Independent Means. Visa offices in Pakistan were temporarily closed in May 2002 following terrorist attacks and in view of the tensions between India and Pakistan. Since July 2003, the visa service has been progressively restored as the security situation has improved. Currently the British High Commission is processing visit applications for anyone who has travelled to the UK in the last 10 years, from students, family visitors over 60, from business visitors and settlement applications from spouses and fiances.

The Home Secretary, David Blunkett, speaking at a reception hosted by the British Pakistani community in Mirpur today, said: "The restoration of the visa service to applicants in these three categories is an important step towards restoring a full visa service in Pakistan this spring.

"I know that the regrettably necessary restrictions placed on our visa processing capability have caused difficulties. Many people in the Pakistani community in the UK retain close links with relatives and friends here. These family, business and cultural bonds help to increase the understanding and friendship between our two countries. That is why I am pleased that this expansion will mean more people will be able to visit family members in the UK."

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