I thought I'd create a post for us to share any news and information about the roll-out schedule for this scheme.
According to the UKBA website, it was supposed to start in June 2011, applications would be made in person and would take place at the Liverpool PEO only. Barring any complications, most straightforward cases would be decided on the same day. A fee of £300 would be charged (not for the application, but for having face-to-face access to the caseworker I guess)
That is all fine and dandy, but now we are in July and this magical service still hasn't arrived. My question is what is the hold up?
Last month I called the Liverpool PEO's press office and when I said I was JUST a member of the public they said they were not allowed to release that information to, I think the phrase was involved parties (or some BS of that ilk) Cagey at best, they all knew something but wouldn't tell me either way whether it had been scrapped or just postponed.
So I got in touch with someone at the home office via an internal number that I found online after coming across a UKBA bulletin where even THEY claimed internally that the scheme would be up and running in June. They also mentioned that it should not be subject to a challenge from the EU as the fee being charged was not for the application, but for "additional cost involved in processing application at a PEO"
So.... if it is a foolproof plan why has it proven so hard to implement? I had my MP (who hadn't heard of the scheme and was very receptive) do some digging and the response was cagey too... "Not imminent or definite"
Someone throw me a bone here, somebody knows something but nobody is saying anything. Could the Freedom of Information act be cited here? Cos I do believe it is in the public's interest to know.
The UKBA recently (28 June 2011) put a news "update" on their site saying "We are still considering the introduction"
I have attached part of the UKBA bulletin for your pleasure
"From June this year the service will be available to those EEA nationals applying under EEA 2, 3 and 4. There will be provisions for EEA1 applications to be dealt with free of charge but only if submitted with an associated EEA 2 or 4 charged application. The fee of £300 is payable for each application and a fee of £300 is payable for each dependant.
This fee follows the Free Movement Directive and is not set towards the cost of the document, but the actual appointment on the basis of the additional cost to process applications at the Public Enquiry Office. The service will be introduced on a limited basis and by appointment only"
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