UK visas for Serbians-on UK border or British Embassy?

[elliothammer]

Hello everybody,

Does any one know where Serbian citizens can get their UK visas? Is it the British embassy in Belgrade or do they get them on the UK border. Serbia had the visa system for the Shengen countries abolished last year but I cannot get any info where they get the UK visas now.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.
E

[vinny]

HOW TO APPLY FOR A UK VISA in Serbia

[elliothammer]

Hi Vinnie

Thank you for the reply, I have already checked it but it doesn't really say much. I was actually looking to hear from someone who has applied so if there is any Serbians or Maqedonians out there I would be grateful if you could let me know.

Thank you.
E

[Casa]

It tells you how to apply (Worldbridge). That's what you wanted to know isn't it?

[elliothammer]

No, I didn't want to know how to apply but WHERE to apply, in Serbia or the UK border?!

Thanks

[86ti]

You apply for a visa eventually at a consulate (in Serbia in your case). In the case of the UK this is handled through a private service. Here another link if the other one was not clear enough.

[Casa]

You are aware that the UK is not a Schengen state?

[vinny]

Apparently, Serbians are non-visa nationals, as Serbia is not listed in Appendix 1 - Visa requirements for the United Kingdom. So visitors may apply for leave to enter at the UK border.

However, The official British Government website for visa services indicates that visitors requires a visa.

So, there is an inconsistency?

[86ti]

Although irrelevant: with respect to Schengen they are non-visa nationals if they hold a biometric passport (issued under certain conditions) since January this year I think. From what I have read the next visa review in the UK is in 2011?

[elliothammer]

Thank you Vinnie, I think your reply clarifies the issue. Since Serbia is not on the list it means that they may get the visa at the UK border, subject to the person travelling having a biometric passport. At least this is how I read.
I would be grateful if you could clarify something else for me if possible.

I have a friend in Albania who has been refused family visitor's visa and he cannot enter the UK for 10 years.

However Albania had their visa system abolished today and they will have the same rights as Serbian nationals from 15 December 2010.

My question is:
-Will the 10 year ban apply to my friend even though the visa system has been abolished?

I know their system applies to Shengen countries only, but because this new system is introdused I thought it might make a difference.

In adition, he did not have a biometric passport when he was refused (4 months ago). He will apply for one now. (I'm aware that he's given his fingerprints and everything else). Your assistance will be much appriciated!

Thank you.
E

[vinny]

My question is:
-Will the 10 year ban apply to my friend even though the visa system has been abolished?

Unfortunately, yes. Bans under 320(7B), subject to 320(7C), are applicable both to entry clearance and leave to enter applications.

What did your friend do to get the ban?

[elliothammer]

Thnx Vinnie,

He didn't do anything really, he's 61 years old! He has come to the UK 5 times previously invited by his son who had falsily claimed that he was from Kosovo rather than Albania and got British citizenship. On each ocassion he has declared the true nationality of his son to the British embassy in Albania and provided them with his son's true birth certificate.

However, the last time he applied for a visa they refused him under s.320 and banned him from entering UK for 10 years. Now he said the refusal letter says that he MAY be refused the visa automatically. Is there any sort of discretion?! He has a nephew in Ireland (Dublin) will the ban apply there too?! I would assume it wouldn't as he is banned from UK only but your valuable advice would be much appriciated!!!!

Thanks


Elliot

[vinny]

I think the word "may" in the refusal letter is because the ban is subject to 320(7C).

See also KB (para: 320(7A): "false representations") Albania [2009] UKAIT 00043. His son may also face a problem.

UK Immigration rules shouldn't be applicable in Ireland.

[elliothammer]

Thanx again Vinnie

Just for information, his son won't face any problems as he's been in this country well over 14 years and I'm familiar with the case you cited but the last question I had, can you request the ban to be lifted and will it be taken into consideration at all? My friend did not want to appeal as it was pointless but if he writes to the British embassy in Albania and explain all the facts, do you think it would make any difference at all?!

Thank you for your extremely helpful advice. You're a star!

[avjones]

Are you sure the son won't have any trouble?

[elliothammer]

I cannot be sure, that's what he tells me! He said that since his son's been in the UK for over 14 years they won't commence deprivation proceedings. So far he has not heard anything but God knows!!! He said that someone in the same position had been asked to return the passport but after his solicitor had written to the HO they had decided not to go ahead. May I know why you're asking pls?!

Thnx

[avjones]

Because I've dealt with a few Albanians who lied and said they were from Kosovo, where the HO did care.

[geriatrix]

Deprivation is not subject to statute of limitations. So, UKBA can initiate the proceedings anytime they become aware of it or feel like pursuing the matter ... irrespective of the time spent in the UK.

Whether your friend is finally deprived of British citizenship will ultimately depend on the evidence(s) he/she may produce to disprove the charges.


regards

[avjones]

They do not usually deprive is the person's lived in the UK for 14 or more years, but they can do.

[elliothammer]

Excatly, no one is saying that they cannot,,,, but they won't!

[kawasaki1]

Vinny,

Apparently, Serbians are non-visa nationals, as Serbia is not listed in Appendix 1 - Visa requirements for the United Kingdom. So visitors may apply for leave to enter at the UK border.

is not true because of Serbia's past:

Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Thanks

[elliothammer]

Vinny,

Apparently, Serbians are non-visa nationals, as Serbia is not listed in Appendix 1 - Visa requirements for the United Kingdom. So visitors may apply for leave to enter at the UK border.

is not true because of Serbia's past:

Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Thanks

Hi kawasaki1

Where did you get this information please?
Thanks

[Lespa]

Vinny,

Apparently, Serbians are non-visa nationals, as Serbia is not listed in Appendix 1 - Visa requirements for the United Kingdom. So visitors may apply for leave to enter at the UK border.

is not true because of Serbia's past:

Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
The territories formerly comprising the socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Thanks

Hi kawasaki1

Where did you get this information please?
Thanks

I think what he's trying to say is that Serbia would come up under one of the states that used to be in SFRY.

The bit he quoted is right at the end of the list

Appendix 1 - Visa requirements for the United Kingdom
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/polic ... appendix1/

Anyhow, I think he has got the point and I am pretty sure you need a visa for which you have to apply at WorldBridge in New Belgrade (Airport City complex)

Otherwise, Macedonia and Montenegro wouldn't have been on that list as they were granted Schengen visa free travel at the same time as Serbia.

Why they haven't listed Serbia in Appendix 1 I have no idea, but if you check this out:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvis ... vnationals

you'll see Serbia listed as a Visa National (Visa nationals are those who need a visa for every entry to the United Kingdom) on UK Border Agency's website.

[vinny]

Thanks.