London, June 8 (IANS) A heavy rush for visas is causing processing delays at the British High Commission in New Delhi, according to officials of the UK Border Agency.
The last few weeks has seen a major increase in the number of visa applications from Indians wanting to visit Britain. Applicants are facing waits of up to five to 10 weeks.
Global Visas, a visa and immigration solutions firm with offices in both London and Delhi, quoted an immigration spokesperson as saying that the Delhi office was trying to get the visas approved as quickly as possible.
‘We have seen year on year increases in the number of visitor visa applications of about 20 percent. We are currently in the peak season for visitor visa applications, so it is even more important to make applications in good time.’
The spokesperson said the shortest waits will be for people who have already visited Britain within the last year. Those people can expect to have their visas approved within a week.
However, people wishing to travel to the country this year are being advised to apply at least 5-10 weeks in advance of their scheduled trip to make sure they have their visa in time.
