David Bolt says that although applicants labelled as high risk are not automatically refused visas, officials should still demystify the tool. His latest inspection report notes that the Home Office Visas and Citizenship directorate uses a computerised streaming tool. It scores applicants as either Red (high-risk), Amber (medium-risk) or Green (low-risk).
Among the factors that influence ratings are:
- the applicant’s nationality of the applicant
- immigration harm data collected by Immigration Enforcement over the last year for certain cohorts of applicants
- local risk profiles (for example, the applicant’s occupation),
- other information such as age, travel history and reason for travel.
The inspector’s interest was piqued by a report on the difficulties faced by Africans when applying for UK visas: 99.5% of African visit visa applications scored “Green” are successful, whereas only 55% of “Red” applications are granted.
Home Office Response
The response is that tool assesses applicants based on “the Global Visa Risk Streaming (GVRS) data provided by Immigration Intelligence; and local, case-specific, attributes based on research”. Mr Bolt says that the more cryptic the Home Office is seen to be about visa decisions, the more concerns will be raised about bias. The department’s reputation would be better off if it was open and engaging.
The recommendation forms part of a new report into the “onshoring” of visa processing. This austerity measure saw UK visa centres around the world closed. Decision-making has been concentrated back in the UK. From 112 visa decision making centres overseas in 2008, there are now just 11, with five of those scheduled for closure.
The Home Office has also been outsourcing. Mr Bolt agrees that for private firms to handle administrative tasks makes sense, but it doesn’t absolve the government of responsibility: The Home Office remains accountable efficient and effective working and meeting applicants’ needs.
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