Entry and Exit questions - conflicting information

[surya2954]

Hi,

I have read some messages posted regarding checks & logs that are created when a person enters or exits UK.

The information provided seems conflicting.

I remember in the late 80s, a landing form had to filled and given to the officer at the point of entry
AND a departure form had to be filled and handed over to the officer when leaving the UK. I know this, because I have done this myself.


My questions-
- Is that information in some sort of computer database, from that time?

- I had over-stayed on one of the visits at that time. I did fill and return a departure card to the officer, he did not say anything, and I just left UK.
I then visited UK later for a short visit, but it was a new passport, and I did not disclose my previous visits on the visa form (yes, very stupid!). My last visit was over 14 years ago.


- Now I am planning to get HSMP and then get EC. Will I have problems getting a visa? Can they say that I lied? Do they/can they search by name/DOB? since passports numbers are all new.


- Do I need to disclose that I over-stayed?

- How far back their databases go for entry/exit logs?


Bear in mind, I am on my 3rd or 4th passport, I do not even have passports from that time, my current passport has no stamps for UK.


Thanks for your help.

Sur

[Jeff Albright]

Is that information in some sort of computer database, from that time?

14 years old info? Unlikely. Their system would have been clogged if they kept the records of everyone entering the UK in the last 20 years. Moreover, there were only paper records at that time, which have probably been destroyed or lost a long time ago.

- I had over-stayed on one of the visits at that time. I did fill and return a departure card to the officer, he did not say anything, and I just left UK.
I then visited UK later for a short visit, but it was a new passport, and I did not disclose my previous visits on the visa form (yes, very stupid!).

Why stupid? If you got away with it - just forget about it and move on. Don't overstay again.

My last visit was over 14 years ago.

So why worry??

- Now I am planning to get HSMP and then get EC. Will I have problems getting a visa?

HSMP is the Settlement Category Visa and previous overstay will not affect it.

Can they say that I lied?

Depends on what they ask. There is no question in the VAF form "have you ever overstayed your visa in the UK". You only answer the questions you are asked and do not offer any other information.

Do they/can they search by name/DOB?

They might do but I can bet all my money that they will not find anything 14 years old...

since passports numbers are all new.

Don't make the mountain out of the mole. I would put it that it is your first visit in the UK.

- Do I need to disclose that I over-stayed?

There is no question as such. Therefore, the answer is NO.

- How far back their databases go for entry/exit logs?

This is classified. So far I have heard the embassies keep data for about 6 years, there is unlikely any details left at the port control. FORGET ABOUT IT!