One third of Bangladeshis refused visa to visit family in UK
NEARLY one third of Bangladeshis applying for visas to visit family in the UK have been rejected, new Government figures reveal. The figures, released in a response to a Parliamentary question by Brent Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather, show that 31 per c
NEARLY one third of Bangladeshis applying for visas to visit family in the UK have been rejected, new Government figures reveal.
The figures, released in a response to a Parliamentary question by Brent Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather, show that 31 per cent of family visa applications from Bangladesh are rejected, compared to an average of just 24% for other nationalities.
Family visas allow relatives of British residents and citizens to visit the UK for important occasions, including weddings and funerals.
Last year the Government removed the right of appeal and applicants are no longer able to dispute a decision which they feel is unfair.
Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Bethnal Green and Bow Ajmal Masroor said: "These figures indicate polices of discrimination and it is counterproductive.
"During important occasions such as marriage, birth and death people are being denied the opportunity to visit their family members and loved ones."
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Last year the Government issued 8,431 family visas to people from Bangladesh and rejected 3,862 people, giving a refusal rate of 31 per cent for Bangladesh.
Mr Masroor and Ms Teather have said they will ask the Government to investigate why such a large proportion of family visas are being rejected and to bring back the right of appeal.
Mr Masroor said: "It is very sad that the Government is denying families their right to spend time together and I will do everything to put pressure on the Government.
