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British government new visa system
Islamabad, June 27, 2008: The British government on Thursday announced its plans
to modernise the short-term visa system. A statement issued by the British High
Commission said that only British citizens and those with indefinite leave to
remain would be able to sponsor family visit visas, but that they would have to
become licensed sponsors before doing so. The statement added that sponsors
would have to ensure that their visitors abide by visa terms and return to their
home countries before the expiry of visa. It also warned that sponsors defying
new arrangements would be barred from bringing anyone into the UK and could face
fines of up to £5,000 or imprisonment in severe cases.
The statement said the
new rules do not change the definition of a family member, which includes
spouses, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles
and first cousins. It said that those who were not UK citizens or did not have
an indefinite leave to remain but had a family member in the UK would be able to
visit the country by applying for a normal six-month visit visa. The high
commission also announced a new type of business visa which would offer a
maximum stay of six months. It also announced British government's plans for new
arrangements for sportsmen and women and entertainers. The statement said the
new arrangements would ensure speedy processing of 'genuine applications'. Daily Times
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