Immigration Lawyer Blog

UK Border Agency reported that from 16th January 2012 all UK visa applicants in Singapore will be required to pay for their visa online as part of the online application process using either a Visa card or MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, this includes debit cards and pre-paid cards, bearing the Visa and MasterCard logos. Other methods of payment will not be accepted from this date.

Once you have applied and paid for your visa online you will still need to visit the visa application centre to submit your documents and provide your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph). Appointments to attend the visa application centre should be booked online on completion of the online application form.

The integration of payment into the online system will provide a more streamlined visa application process and is part of a wider move to allow almost all applicants to apply and pay for visas online by 2013/14.

The Austrian Embassy on Thursday introduced its services for the collection of visa applications and delivery process in Jeddah through a dedicated Austria Visa Application Center (VAC) set up at VFS Global, described as the world’s largest outsourced consular services company.

The center was formally opened by Georg Postinger, deputy head of mission at the Austrian Embassy in Riyadh, and Nesma Holding Vice President Abdulaziz Gabel, who represented Austria’s local honorary consul Saleh Al-Turki. The center at the Jeddah Visa Application Center (JVAC) on Manazil Muttaqin Street, off King Abdullah Road in Ruwais district, will be operational from Jan. 14.

Postinger said: “Austria is very glad to offer to the citizens and foreign residents the possibility of handing in their visa applications not only in Riyadh but also in Jeddah. The number of Saudi citizens visiting Austria for business and tourism has seen a steady increase over the past years.

St. Kitts and Nevis begins issuing new E (Biometric) passports from January 5th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour and Social Security has announced.
The Ministry said in a news release that the new passports, with several improved security features, are being introduced as part of government’s ongoing efforts to prevent fraud and identity theft consistent with its regional and international commitments.

The Passport Office will issue the new E – (Biometric) Passports to citizens and residents, who are applying for the documents for the first time, or to those requesting replacements.
Citizens and residents currently using the machine readable passports will continue doing so, once these are not expired, lost and or damaged.
They will not, at this time, be required to change to the new E – (biometric) Passports; until the old document has expired.
Information on the various fees to be applied through the purchase of stamps for the issuance of the new E Passport can be obtained from the Passport Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour & Social Security, Government Headquarters, Church Street, Basseterre.

The Ministry said that introduction of the new passport has become necessary given the regional and global efforts to improve security.
“The new document to be issued by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis is more secured and designed with specific imbedded features intended to enhance the integrity of the new E Passport and will facilitate more seamless travel by citizens and residents of the Federation.

Fees associated with the new Biometric passports are as follows:
Issue of a 32-page epassport for applicants under 16 years or over 65 years – EC$150.00
Issue of a 32-page e-passport for applicants 16 years or under 65 years – EC$250.00
Replacement of a lost, stolen and or damaged e-passport (except for citizenship by investment) – EC$500.00. Replacement of a lost, stolen and or damaged e-passport with a copy of a report from the Police, Fire & Rescue Services Department, other relevant authority, or such credible information supporting the applicant’s statement – EC$250.00. Processing and issuing of a passport in four days or less (except for citizenship by investment) – EC$350.00.