In this file photo taken on December 31, 2020, a UK border sign welcomes passengers on arrival at Heathrow airport in west London. (Ben FATHERS / AFP)
The United Kingdom has halted the process of making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria.
A statement from the British High Commission on the UK on Sunday said the decision is part of efforts to support the UK Government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), until travel restrictions are lifted.
According to the statement, visit visas cover travel to the UK for:
Tourism, visiting family and friends, undertaking short-term business activities (for example, attending meetings), undertaking short-term studies (under 6 months), taking part in research or exchange programmes as an academic and medical reason (for example, receiving private medical treatment).
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“If you apply for a visit visa in a red list country and you meet the UK Immigration Rules, your application will be paused. You will not receive a decision on your visit visa application whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place,” the statement read in part.
It also noted that applicants will not be able to request a refund of their visa fee once they have given their biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
“If you already hold a valid visit visa and are intending to travel to England as a visitor from a red list country, you will not be allowed to enter.
“There are only very limited exemptions to travel and entry requirements for critical workers and medical and compassionate cases.
“If you have submitted a visit visa application and you do not wish to withdraw, we will continue to hold your application.
“If you choose to continue with your visa application, you will not receive a decision on your visit visa whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place,” the statement added.
The UK apologised for any inconvenience the situation could cause.
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