CENTRALISATION OF BRITISH VISA SERVICES IN INDIA AND BANGLADESH

Early day motion 626, tabled 15 December 2014 by Keith Vaz (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House is deeply concerned that visa decision-making in South Asia is being centralised at the risk of creating poorer service and less effective oversight; notes crucial regional visa hubs such as Mumbai and Dhaka are being downsized, with Mumbai's visa staff reduced from 70 to 20 despite receiving a similar volume of applications to New Delhi; further notes 323,575 visa applications were made in India alone in 2013; recognises the importance of these areas to the 1.4 million people of Indian origin and 300,000 people of Bangladeshi origin in the UK; considers it vital to maintain good relations with India and Bangladesh; and endorses the campaigns launched by Asian Voice and Curry Life Magazine and the two e-petitions to the UK Government which call on the Government to review these regrettable decisions.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, DUP 4, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.