Visitor Visa Woes: Understanding the Impact of Asylum Claims on Turkish Nationals"
- stevepezza
- Sep 9, 2024
- 3 min read
As we strive to provide valuable guidance to our Turkish community seeking visitor visas to the UK, it’s important to understand the current landscape and the challenges faced by applicants. Recent statistics shed light on some concerning trends that affect all of us.
For more information related to visiting, working and living in the UK check out our blogs.
The Statistics
According to the UK Home Office 'Immigration Statistics' year to date June 2024, this year alone, over 19,000 Turkish nationals have been refused a visitor visa to the UK. This is a staggering number, and it raises questions about what may be causing such a significant number of denials.
The crux of the issue often lies with the Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) who assess the applications. Their primary concerns typically revolve around two key fears:
The applicant may choose not to leave the UK and remain illegally.
The applicant may claim asylum upon arrival in the UK.
The Asylum Context
It is essential to acknowledge that Turkish nationals rank as the 4th highest nationality in the world attempting to travel to the UK via small boats, crossing illegally and claiming asylum. This alarming trend not only highlights the complex issues surrounding migration but also reflects on how it influences the perceptions and decision-making processes of ECOs.
Why ECOs Are Suspicious
Given the ongoing asylum claims from Turkish individuals, it is understandable that ECOs approach visitor visa applications with increased scrutiny. For those of us who apply genuinely and intend to visit the UK for legitimate reasons, this heightened suspicion can often lead to unjust refusals.
Impact on Genuine Applicants
The actions of those seeking asylum are unfortunately creating a more challenging environment for honest applicants. The negative perception that arises from these asylum claims makes it crucial for visitors to demonstrate strong ties to Turkey. This can include:
Evidence of employment or education in Turkey.
Proof of property ownership.
Family connections in the country.
All these elements help assure the ECO that you intend to leave the UK after your visit.
English Visa Life can help applicants identify documents that will help prove thier ties to Turkey.
A consultation call is offered during which an expert will discuss the strength of your application
Takeaways for Applicants
As you prepare your applications, consider the following advice:
Be Transparent: Clearly state your purpose for visiting the UK and provide relevant documentation.
Show Your Intent to Return: Include proof of your ties to Turkey to reinforce your commitment to returning home.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consult experienced visa professionals who can assist with the application process and help you present your case effectively.
English Visa Life offers a free E-book for those interested to understand the basics of the Visa Application process. It available here for free.
Conclusion
Navigating the visitor visa process can be complex, especially in the current environment. By understanding the statistics and the reasoning behind the heightened scrutiny from the authorities, you can better prepare your application to increase your chances of success.
We hope this information helps you on your journey to secure a visitor visa to the UK. You may also make you of discussion groups on social media, but remember that these never offer you legal advice, take it for what it is, but often you can learn of people experiences.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice. Detailed and comprehensive research is completed but once published any commentary, quotes, societal direction and legal references may not be remain current and accurate. Subsequently, English Visa Life cannot accept responsibility for loss which may arise from information contained in this blog. For assistance in translating and certifying necessary documents, in addition to accurately reflecting your responses in English and cataloguing supporting documents please don’t hesitate to contact UK Turkey Life to assist in your application. English Visa Life is operating under a registered sole trader license, Izmir, Turkey.
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