A re-inspection of the UK Border Agency visa section in Abu Dhabi and Islamabad September - December 2011 John Vine CBE QPM Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration Our Purpose We ensure independent scrutiny of the UK Border Agency and the Border Force, providing confidence and assurance as to its effectiveness and efficiency. Our Vision To act as a catalyst for improvement ensuring that the UK Border Agency and the Border Force deliver fair, consistent and respectful services. All Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration inspection reports can be found at www.independent.gov.uk/icinspector Email us:
[email protected] Write to us: Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, 5th Floor, Globe House, 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN United Kingdom Contents Foreword from John Vine CBE QPM 2 1. Executive Summary 3 2. Summary of Recommendations 6 3. The Inspection 7 4. Inspection findings – Operational Delivery 14 5. Inspection Findings – Safeguarding Individuals 41 6. Inspection Findings - Continuous Improvement 44 Appendix 1 - Inspection Criteria 50 Appendix 2 - List of Stakeholders 51 Appendix 3 - Glossary 52 Acknowledgements 59 1 Foreword from John Vine CBE QPM Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and immigration The Abu Dhabi and Islamabad visa sections are two of the largest overseas visa sections by volume of applications. This, my second formal re-inspection of the Agency’s visa operation in these locations, examined the work of entry clearance staff, with a particular focus on the findings and recommendations from my previous inspection. Overall I noted considerable improvement had been made since my previous inspection.