UK removes full right of appeal for family visitors

Anyone applying to visit a cousin, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew in the UK and who has been refused a visa, will no longer have access to a full right of appeal, the UK Border Agency has announced.

The agency did, however, stress that the changes would only affect applicants who had been refused a visa to visit family members. No changes are being made to the rules governing who can qualify for entry to the UK as a visitor and genuine visitors are welcome.

In a statement, the agency said that in June it would introduce the legislation, which will tighten the family and sponsor definitions in family visit visa appeals. Subject to Parliamentary approval, these changes are expected to come into force in July.
Further to the statement, the agency said a clause in the Crime and Courts Bill would remove the full right of appeal for those applying to enter the UK as a family visitor. Subject to Parliamentary approval and Royal Assent, this change is expected to come into force by 2014. Refused applicants will still be able to appeal on limited grounds of human rights or race discrimination.

For more details, visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2012/may/28-family-appeal