The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

In a move to make applying for a visa to the UK more straightforward and convenient, the British High Commission in Dhaka has announced introduction of a new, simpler visa application forms and unveiled online applications.

The new forms include simple step-by-step instructions, directing applicants to the next question, explaining how to complete each section and avoiding technical jargons, said a British High Commission news release yesterday (Thursday).

The forms to be completed in English, also come with comprehensive guidance notes explaining how to answer the questions, and what documents the applicants will need to submit with their application.

With effect from October 29, all visa applicants applying for a visa/entry clearance to the United Kingdom will need to use the new application forms.

These forms will be available from the local VFS offices in Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong and from the UKvisas’ website: www.ukvisas.gov.uk . Visa application centres will continue to accept the old forms up until November 9 after which applicants must use the new application forms. After this date applicants must use new application forms.

In a parallel move, the British High Commission has also unveiled for the first time in Bangladesh, online UK visa applications.

From October 29, applicants will be able to submit applications electronically via the VFS website: www.vfs-uk-bd.com.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said, “This is a good news for applicants. More straightforward application procedures mean that our visa section is less likely to need to ask genuine applicants for more information or call them in for interviews. This will mean applications can be dealt with even more quickly.”

The High Commissioner said, “We warmly welcome genuine applicants to the UK and we continue to look for ways to provide a world-class service for them. The convenience and efficiency of online applications is a sign of our commitment to modernise and make things easier for people.”