German ID card lost in UKBA Liverpool office

[dsch1978]

Hello! I successfully applied for an EEA4 permanent residency visa/card. All of the documents were sent back to me, except my German partner's national ID card. He has contacted the office in Liverpool, but after 2 weeks, they have not been able to find it, but will not declare it lost.

Does anyone know how long they can legally continue to "look" for it before they are forced to admit that they have lost it? The German government requires him to inform them immediately if such a card is lost or stolen.

Also, he will need to go to Germany to get a replacement, as the embassy does not issue ID cards. How do we go about getting UKBA to reimburse the cost of travel and cost or the replacement card?

We fear it has been mistakenly sent back with somebody else's application. Who should we contact at the Home Office or UKBA to get somebody to actually do something? Would it be worth informing our MP?

Thanks!
Geoff

[fysicus]

Start with a complaint via the normal UKBA complaint procedure (if you haven't done so already), and don't forget to mention that you will hold UKBA liable for all cost you will incur as a result of this very serious mistake, and try to get as much as possible in writing.

Strange, however, that the German Embassy doesn't issue ID cards. The Dutch Embassy in London does, as I know from personal experience.

You can, of course, already inform the German Embassy that your ID has been lost and ask how to proceed. UKBA has already admitted that they received it, and hasn't sent it back, so you and your partner are not to blame for anything.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Keep detailed records of your costs (including receipts where possible). Be 100% sure to get reimbursed and compensated by UKBA!