|
Abu Dhabi: Britain offers Emiratis a simplified visa system but will not offer visas on arrival at ports in the UK because of security concerns, a diplomat said on Wednesday.
"Our procedures for Emiratis, who we consider bona fide and trusted travellers, are much easier and lighter than for citizens of other countries. Emiratis can visit the visa application centres for less than half an hour and get a multiple entry visa that entitles them to an unlimited number of visits over 10 years for just Dh1,540," British Ambassador to the UAE Edward Oakden, told Gulf News.
When asked whether Britain will positively respond to the UAE Government's demand that Emiratis receive the same treatment offered to citizens of 34 countries, including EU countries and US citizens, who obtain visa on arrival at the UAE ports. He said, "We are very sensitive to the UAE government's concerns and we are as responsive as we possibly can be, but at the same time, we're looking at the necessary measures to protect borders in the UK against threats from all over the world," Oakden said.
He added that Britain has introduced the biometric visa system in well over 100 countries but only in the UAE can 90 per cent of visa applications have a 24 hour turnaround time - the easiest, lightest and most straightforward regime, compared with systems of other countries.
"We are delighted and honoured that so many Emiratis choose to go to the UK. But at the same time we appreciate that you have choices. And we want that choice to continue to be the UK."
Under the biometric system which became operational in September, applicants have their fingerprints scanned and their faces photographed when they visit the Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Biometric identity data are collected from visa applicants worldwide, aged five years and over.
Asked whether the biometric system has affected business and tourist trips to the UK, Oakden said although the number of travellers to the UK from the UAE has dropped by almost five per cent over the last eight months, he would think that the strong sterling pound and subsequently the high cost involved in travelling to the UK played a greater role in this regard than the biometric system.
Online tracking
The online tracking system is available free via the VAC website at www.vfs-uk-ae.com and requires an application reference number and date of birth. It will tell you what stage your application has reached, up until the point when it is ready for collection from the application centre. In addition, the website is also available in Arabic. It contains translated versions of all the UK's visa guidance, instructions and checklists and is the first time that the complete website is available in both English and Arabic.
Applicants can also sign up for automatic SMS updates to their mobile phone at each key stage. The charge for this service is only Dh5 payable at the time of application.
Optional additional services for an extra fee include returning the applicant's passport to his or her home or office by courier and a message to the mobile phone, once the application is ready to be collected.
We are very sensitive to the UAE government's concerns and we are as responsive as we possibly can be, but at the same time, we're looking at the necessary measures to protect borders in the UK against threats from all over the world."
|
