Stickman Interview Re Uk Embassy

[thai3]

A ha in an interview with a visa service this week we have an answer which says it all on embassy staff:

You used to do visas to the UK but now you do not. Why is that?

Because the people in the UK embassy who make the decisions on the visas are English, and not Thai. And the English people who make the decisions on the visas cannot speak, read, nor write Thai. They are not consistently trained in what the criteria required are to approve or deny a visa application. There is no consistency from, what they call the staff, one entry clearance officer, to another. They don’t have systems in place to process visas properly and to ensure that the right kind of people are getting are visas and the wrong kind of people are being turned away.

Here’s an example. At the American embassy, if you are applying for an immigrant visa, you are required to provide a police report from every country you have ever lived in for one year or more. England has nothing like this which means that people who are granted a visa to go to England can have serious criminal backgrounds and England has absolutely no idea. America also makes sure everyone has to an FBI check before they get to America. In addition, when you go to America on an immigrant visa, you are required to have a thorough medical examination through the embassy approved hospitals.

[JimsKnight]

A ha in an interview with a visa service this week we have an answer which says it all on embassy staff:

You used to do visas to the UK but now you do not. Why is that?

Because the people in the UK embassy who make the decisions on the visas are English, and not Thai. And the English people who make the decisions on the visas cannot speak, read, nor write Thai. They are not consistently trained in what the criteria required are to approve or deny a visa application. There is no consistency from, what they call the staff, one entry clearance officer, to another. They don’t have systems in place to process visas properly and to ensure that the right kind of people are getting are visas and the wrong kind of people are being turned away.

Here’s an example. At the American embassy, if you are applying for an immigrant visa, you are required to provide a police report from every country you have ever lived in for one year or more. England has nothing like this which means that people who are granted a visa to go to England can have serious criminal backgrounds and England has absolutely no idea. America also makes sure everyone has to an FBI check before they get to America. In addition, when you go to America on an immigrant visa, you are required to have a thorough medical examination through the embassy approved hospitals.

The British Embassy is held in poor regard by many people I have spoken to. Not just English etc but American too. Notably they are unhelpful to travellers who are in a spot of bother. They do not issue full passports but a 'transit passport' the US embassy issues a full one. Thankfully I haven't had to rely on them for assistance (yet;)

[rcm]

A ha in an interview with a visa service this week we have an answer which says it all on embassy staff:

You used to do visas to the UK but now you do not. Why is that?

Because the people in the UK embassy who make the decisions on the visas are English, and not Thai. And the English people who make the decisions on the visas cannot speak, read, nor write Thai. They are not consistently trained in what the criteria required are to approve or deny a visa application. There is no consistency from, what they call the staff, one entry clearance officer, to another. They don’t have systems in place to process visas properly and to ensure that the right kind of people are getting are visas and the wrong kind of people are being turned away.

Here’s an example. At the American embassy, if you are applying for an immigrant visa, you are required to provide a police report from every country you have ever lived in for one year or more. England has nothing like this which means that people who are granted a visa to go to England can have serious criminal backgrounds and England has absolutely no idea. America also makes sure everyone has to an FBI check before they get to America. In addition, when you go to America on an immigrant visa, you are required to have a thorough medical examination through the embassy approved hospitals.

The British Embassy is held in poor regard by many people I have spoken to. Not just English etc but American too. Notably they are unhelpful to travellers who are in a spot of bother. They do not issue full passports but a 'transit passport' the US embassy issues a full one. Thankfully I haven't had to rely on them for assistance (yet;)

But then if you try to get some simple Visa at US Embassy you be treated less than dirt and more like a Criminal(that was 1 year back- but i assume they didn't become "friendlier"). Thankfully i don't have to go through this procedure again....

[thai3]

The British Embassy is held in poor regard by many people I have spoken to. Not just English etc but American too. Notably they are unhelpful to travellers who are in a spot of bother. They do not issue full passports but a 'transit passport' the US embassy issues a full one. Thankfully I haven't had to rely on them for assistance (yet;)

If some are to be believed here though the UK embassy staff are beyond reproach and the systems they work under are not only fair but cannot be improved upon, and pigs might fly. I found them very good when you are paying money but that's where the help ends. They never seem to say no don't pay for a visa yet you have to provide xyz first. Applying for a visa at the UK embassy is like playing a game of cards with an opponent who not only does not tell you all the rules at the start, but can make up new ones as the game progresses. This is called using discretion.

[GU22]

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

[Ollie]

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

But isn't this a continuation of the same old theme, irrespective of who wrote what? Its getting tedious.

[sierra01]

We all know that it's high time the procedures at the British Embassy had a thorough overhaul, teacher's report...'could do better', but when all said and done they do a difficult job under difficult circumstances

Perhaps you would find it more to your liking to go get an American visa instead, from your description it's far easier to get one, with the added bonus that they refuse visas to the riff raff, go for it.

[GU22]

Despite what the whingers and moaning minnies say, the facts are simple.

In 2004/05, 94.1% of visa applications to the British embassy in Bangkok were successful, most without an interview.

The total number of applications is rising, the total number of refusals (not simply the percentage) is falling. So more people are applying and more are being granted a visa than ever before.

One cannot ignore this fact, and all else is merely opinion.

As for saying (here)

do the embassy ever mention this route of redress? of course not they just want you to spend more money on another application

this is plainly ridiculous. The ECOs are not on commission!

[mike_l]

The British Embassy is held in poor regard by many people I have spoken to. Not just English etc but American too. Notably they are unhelpful to travellers who are in a spot of bother. They do not issue full passports but a 'transit passport' the US embassy issues a full one. Thankfully I haven't had to rely on them for assistance (yet;)

I don't know if something's changed recently, but when I lost my passport in Thailand 3-4 years back the British Embassy issued me with a full new passport. I was actually surpised at how helpful they were. That's my only experience dealing with the embassy to date, but so far so good.

[the scouser]

Yes, Mike, they do still issue full 10-year passports.

Scouse.

[GU22]

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

OK, here is the interview.

Pertinent points are:-

The interviewee is a visa agent. His comments are bound to be biased in order to drum up business for himself.

He is an American, working exclusively with applicants for US visas.

He doesn't exactly tell his clients to lie, but he does encourage them to conceal the truth. He says that if ex bargirls admit to it they will not get a visa. I don't know if this is true for the US, but it is definitely not true for the UK. He doesn't say what he tells his clients to say if they are asked how they met and the truth is that they met in a bar. Maybe he simply tells such people to go away.

He claims a 100% success rate, but then admits he will only take on clients who are guaranteed a visa anyway! Anyone with the slightest problem, and therefore doubt over the success, he turns away.

He never finished law school and has no qualifications at all in law.

His experience of, and information about, UK visas is incorrect and out of date. For example, health checks. His main gripe seems to be, though, that the UK will grant visas to bar girls and people with past convictions, which the US wont (he says).

If people want to waste their money using the services of people like this, that is up to them.

Stickman does add a rider at the end saying

I think that the British embassy may now require some sort of health check for particular visas, but I have not been able to confirm this.

It seems that, like Thai3, visiting the embassy website and reading the guidance notes therein is too difficult for him! Edited March 5, 2006 by GU22

[britmaveric]

This has got to be the silliest rubbish I have ever read. Very biased and solely one man's opinion.

[coldcrush]

This has got to be the silliest rubbish I have ever read. Very biased and solely one man's opinion.

I second that Brit... some people are such moaning <deleted> its really boring!

They should change the forum name to: Visas and migration to other countries and moan about the UK Emabassy forum.

Ok if you have a valid point yes, but just constantly picking on the UK embassy not only scares me about getting my visa for my wife and child but just brings a black cloud over things. If I dont get it I will moan a little but not to the point where it <deleted> irritates people.

Edited March 5, 2006 by lopburiguy

[Sir Burr]

I have had at least six passports issued at the UK embassy and each time very good service.

[coldcrush]

I have had at least six passports issued at the UK embassy and each time very good service.

Hurray!!! Light at the end of the tunnel.

Nice one Sir Burr

[gregchambers]

The same guy also said that single women under 30 were unlikely to get a tourist visa at the USA embassy... at least that is not the case at the Brit embasy.

I recall reading that one of the ECO's was the wife of a high ranking embassy official and thought she could do what she liked basically, so maybe one or two bad eggs mess up the whole thing at the Brit embassy. I have had bad experiences in the distant pass but recently no complaints (which included getting a 27 year old Thai girl a visitors visa).

[coldcrush]

The same guy also said that single women under 30 were unlikely to get a tourist visa at the USA embassy... at least that is not the case at the Brit embasy.

I recall reading that one of the ECO's was the wife of a high ranking embassy official and thought she could do what she liked basically, so maybe one or two bad eggs mess up the whole thing at the Brit embassy. I have had bad experiences in the distant pass but recently no complaints (which included getting a 27 year old Thai girl a visitors visa).

Hurray x2 !!!

[sierra01]

X3, I got a new 10 year PP last year, no problems.

[thai3]

This has got to be the silliest rubbish I have ever read. Very biased and solely one man's opinion.

If you mean the person interviewed then it's a guy who has processed thousands of visa applications but who gave up trying to predict the outcome of applicants to the british embassy. Mr stick informs me that he receives many complaints from brits re the eccentric, unfair and rude embassy staff. So not just one persons opinion at all.

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

most people here are intelligent enough to find it, but if you are having trouble let me know

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

For the benefit of GU22 who seems unable to find his way around-

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/Weekly2006/weekly252.htm

[britmaveric]

Thai3 - I've dealt w/embassy before in BKK and elsewhere in the world and I've never had a single complaint. Very professional and courteous.

As for Stickman interview - the subject of the interview possibly has an agenda perhaps his work wasn't up to snuff for the british embassy? I'm skeptical for the need for such services at any rate - majority are scams.

[thai3]

Thai3 - I've dealt w/embassy before in BKK and elsewhere in the world and I've never had a single complaint. Very professional and courteous.

As for Stickman interview - the subject of the interview possibly has an agenda perhaps his work wasn't up to snuff for the british embassy? I'm skeptical for the need for such services at any rate - majority are scams.

well thats just your one man opinion is'nt it. How many visas for GF or wife have you applied for at the embassy in bkk?

Edited March 5, 2006 by thai3

[thai3]

Despite what the whingers and moaning minnies say, the facts are simple.

In 2004/05, 94.1% of visa applications to the British embassy in Bangkok were successful, most without an interview.

The total number of applications is rising, the total number of refusals (not simply the percentage) is falling. So more people are applying and more are being granted a visa than ever before.

One cannot ignore this fact, and all else is merely opinion.

As for saying (here)

do the embassy ever mention this route of redress? of course not they just want you to spend more money on another application

this is plainly ridiculous. The ECOs are not on commission!

Facts whose facts, civil servants? of course they are never distorted, made up or part of the whole picture are they. Perhaps you should follow your own advice and post the sources. Lets say these figures are as true, then they most certainly would be granting visa's to many many fraudelent applicants and they would not be doing their jobs effectively.

When mrs went she spoke to 2 girls who were granted visas, one a BG who made up a pack of lies about working in a beauty shop and another who was granted a visa when she did not even want one. She was there just to please her sponsor and wanted to be turned down. They might as well just draw names out of a hat, the interview process is a farce.

The ECO's are not on a commission but I bet they get looked at if passing out too many visas in a week

[falangaman]

Quit complaining about the British Embassy! They have a very tough job to do and I for one cannot complain about the level of service in any way.

Personally, I found the whole settlement visa application to be very quick, very efficient and alot easier than I imagined. The embassy were very polite to myself when I made phone calls, but more importantly treated my partner extremely well and did not make her feel uncomfortable in the slightest.

For anyone reading this who is about submit an application in the near future i would advise not be put off by the doom and gloom that is being batted around at the moment.

The idea of this forum is to help, support and advise members through this process, not to slag off the British embassy. Its getting boring now!

[britmaveric]

Thai3 - I've dealt w/embassy before in BKK and elsewhere in the world and I've never had a single complaint. Very professional and courteous.

As for Stickman interview - the subject of the interview possibly has an agenda perhaps his work wasn't up to snuff for the british embassy? I'm skeptical for the need for such services at any rate - majority are scams.

well thats just your one man opinion is'nt it. How many visas for GF or wife have you applied for at the embassy in bkk?

1 tourist visa and no problems! (quick/efficient) Very painless in retrospect considering all the doom/gloom spouted by you.

[GU22]

If you want anyone to take this seriously then a link to the article so we can see exactly who is saying exactly what would be a good idea.

most people here are intelligent enough to find it, but if you are having trouble let me know.............For the benefit of GU22 who seems unable to find his way around-

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/Weekly2006/weekly252.htm

If you bothered to read threads you would know that I posted that link myself 8 posts back! The point is, don't quote out of context and when you do quote, provide a link. Apart from making it more credible, it is basic netiquette!

well thats just your one man opinion is'nt it.

As is Stickman's, and yours, and mine. Unfortunately for you, more people share britmaveric's and my opinion than yours and Stickman's.

How many visas for GF or wife have you applied for at the embassy in bkk?

If it's only one, it's still more than you.

Facts whose facts, civil servants? of course they are never distorted, made up or part of the whole picture are they.

The figures are arrived at by simply counting the applications, acceptances etc. What possible reason would anyone have for distorting them?

Perhaps you should follow your own advice and post the sources

I have done so, many times. But just for you, here it is again Entry clearance - facts and figures (21/10/05)

Lets say these figures are as true, then they most certainly would be granting visa's to many many fraudelent applicants and they would not be doing their jobs effectively.

You keep on saying this. Why do you assume that the majority of Thais are fraudsters trying to cheat their way into the UK? That is completely racist!

When mrs went she spoke to 2 girls.......

This is the Mrs who hides behind proxies and whose employer, an expert in UK immigration, refuses to give her advice. Yes, of course what this fictional person says is going to be believed.

The ECO's are not on a commission but I bet they get looked at if passing out too many visas in a week

94.1% in a year. So what would you say is too many?

[Ollie]

Is there any chance this thing can be locked, binned, disposed of, burnt?

You surely join this forum for answers to questions, guidance, advice, how to overcome problems, or to anticipate and deal with the same?

Where does ranting about the ECO's on thread after thread contribute. It just detracts. Full stop.

Someone, eons ago, it seems, said go to your MP or political rep if you feel an injustice has been done. They'd sort it out!

Good luck and please do, instead of ranting here.

[beleby]

I was one of the people who wrote to the Bangkok Post a few months back about the embassy. The manner in which a certain member of staff treated my wife and me was disgraceful, the response they gave to my letter of complaint was equally disgraceful “old boys” style treatment.

That said, I have been back to the embassy a few times lately and I have noticed that all non – British staff there seem to be friendly and efficient.

Too bad the British staff seem to be arrogant, rude, pompous and downright useless at times. Maybe I have been unlucky and missed the good ones.

As a side note, the stickman interviewee says that 99% of applicants under 30 will not get a tourist visa. I find this incredible, It is certainly not the case at the UK embassy my wife is 28 and got a visa when she was my gf.

Edited March 6, 2006 by greg_hill

[the scouser]

Closed by popular demand.

Justifiable criticism of the UK embassy will be tolerated but not one-issue posters who bang on about nothing else.

Scouse.