Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration examines Home Office visit visas

The latest inspection report by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) was published last month and takes a look at the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of the Home Office's Visas, Status and Information (VSI) services in relation to visit visas.
As the report explains: "VSI decides visa applications made under the 'Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor', which sets out the requirements to be met by those who require a visa to come to the UK for a short period: for tourism; for business; to marry or to enter into a civil partnership; to undertake paid engagements, such as performers or sports people; and also for those transiting the UK. Decision makers (DMs) must be satisfied with the 'credibility' of an application and that visit visa applicants are genuinely seeking entry for the purpose of a visit for a limited period. The onus is on applicants to provide evidence to show that they meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules."
"The inspection found that equality impact assessments and other important policy documents were of good quality, but that reviews of these materials were not routinely being undertaken. A tighter review process would ensure that these are done according to a regular schedule, or when a change to policy or approach is proposed.
"Operationally, the inspection found some practices occurring that are outside of published Home Office policies, particularly in areas such as workflow management and when visit visa applications require further checks. Such practices must be stopped as a matter of priority, and this has been recognised by the Home Office. A more robust assurance regime would pick this up and stop it."
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