UK business visa rejected, and ban imposed for 10 years

[mkhimesra]

Hi,

Six years back I had travelled to the UK on a work permit and returned back to my country, India, after 10 months. During this period my employer once got my stay extended for 9 months (my initial visa was for 6 months).

Recently, I applied for a business visit visa to the UK, which was rejected by the British high commission. The reason provided was that my visa application contained information about the successful application for extension of stay. As per the refusal letter, the British records indicate another application for extension of stay for an indefinite period, which was rejected by the home office. Accordingly the visa officer considered that I was not disclosing all the information with the intention of never returning from the UK and banned me from making any visa applications for 10 years.

I have never made any application for an extension for indefinite stay that the refusal letter has mentioned. The ban for 10 years has shattered me since now I am not only barred from visiting the UK, but any future visa applications for other countries would also be looked at in suspicion. I am a software professional, and not being able to travel abroad for business purposes would be a blow on my career.

Please let me know if there is anything that can be done about this.

In need of help,
Mayur

[Jeff Albright]

Clearly this is a matter of complaint (NOT an appeal). You should write a complaint to the ECM, if not, then you should contact the complaints section either at FCO (if the UK Visas still comes under the FCO authority) or at the UK Border Agency in the UK (if it is not) - I am not quite sure, as there have been many changes in that respect recently since I left the UK in October last year. Other members might clarify this better.
I suggest that you read on how to make complaints on the UK Border Agency website including those for the overseas missions. This information should be readily available on the relevant websites.
I would also suggest you request a full copy of all the records at British High Commission on your name including any notes the ECO had made assessing your application and any external enquiries they had made. Also, you might want to get a copy of your UK Home Office file.
It is extremely unfortunate that your time is being wasted this way but it is the only way in my view. You have to make your own investigation on this matter before you submit a complaint.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jeff

[UKBAbble]

Try writing to:

UK Border Agency, Visa Services Directorate
King Charles Street
LONDON
SW1A 2AH
United Kingdom

[mkhimesra]

Hi,

I have finally received the UK visa that I had initially applied for.

After my visa was refused, my company followed it up with the British Deputy High Commission here mentioning that I had not applied for any such extension, and that the company would make sure that I would return back. The BDHC then conducted some enquiry from the UK, and realized that my application was processed incorrectly, and asked me to send my passport for visa stamping.

This has been a big relief to me.

Jeff and UKBabble... Thanks for your responses.

Cheers,
Mayur

[Jeff Albright]

Pleased to hear that the justice has prevailed. You must be very relieved. Clearly, they had screwed up your application and I had no doubt you would get your visa once it has been sorted out.

However, unfortunately, your time has been wasted and your company has also been disadvantaged...

Best wishes

Jeff