How can we get visas to Britain without tears?

Sep 03, 2003

SIR— When the American Ambassador and the British High Commissioner meet at cocktail parties, what do they talk about? Surely, the image of their countries portrayed in the press should be an issue at hand.

SIR— When the American Ambassador and the British High Commissioner meet at cocktail parties, what do they talk about? Surely, the image of their countries portrayed in the press should be an issue at hand.

One of the areas concerning a country’s image is the immigration department. While the Americans have honoured our plea and streamlined their visa office, the British are adamant about how they handle visa applicants. It doesn’t matter if you have an official invitation. You must mingle with the kanyamas (ruffians) who will elbow you out of the line.

Right now, it is peak season for holiday-makers who want visas to Britain. Surely, the High Commission should have anticipated this pattern and streamlined their office to interview applicants in their various categories and on appointment. My experience in the line yesterday, showed me that if I have to get a visa, I should hang around the embassy at 8.00pm, and wait to get into the premises at 8.00am the next day. And it doesn’t look like I will get this visa, since the number of people who were locked out, will be planning to get there before me.

This crowding is also a security risk because the crowd is not screened by security. Warning: From the mood I sensed in the crowd, tempers could flair and anything Al Queda-ish could happen. Just do it the American way and keep peace.

Eunice Nabalayo
Kampala

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