British diplomat: British visa application in Azerbaijan is faster than in other countries

- What about the statistics of Azerbaijani applicants for British visa? Is this figure increased in compare with previous years or not?

- Last year we received 7000 applications for visa here. This figure was increased this year. Most of the applications submitted and resolved within three-five working days and 90 percent of them receive visas. Visa application in Azerbaijan is a process quickly than other countries. The consular sections daily limit of the applications. Earlier we could receive 27-28 applications daily and now we are receiving 45-46.

- Are the visa applicants satisfied with the new system?

- Points-based system has been implemented since last October. It is very successful system, subjective and transparent. Applicants can online assess their eligibility for each category before applying the visa section. We aim to improve this system. There was no serious negative case in the implementation of the points-based system.

-Are there restrictions due to “swine flu”?

- No travel restrictions. Obviously “swine flu” is a global problem.

-While changing the student visa procedures it was announced that the students can apply only for the certificated schools, universities registered by the UK government and the embassy will provide visas according with the with the list of these schools and universities. Has this list been finished?

- The list and documents has been completed for the schools and universities accredited in UK. But the list may be changed because there are some schools and universities, which have not applied for accreditation yet. The student applicants have to check online the list of accredited schools, their registration number and to choose the schools where they have to apply before paying the fees.

-What about the UK plans to join the Shengen Convention?

-There are no plans to join the Convention. The UK is apart of the European Union. We have visa regulations and there are no travel problems with other European countries. There is an agreement with other EU countries, including Shengen countries on the biometrics. In the next couple of year, other EU countries will also implement biometric system in the visa and passport procedures. It is not a unique procedure. This system is implemented for identity, security and most countries are trying to use biometric passports now.

/APA/