UK visa bond possible but nothing decided – High Commissioner to Ghana

The UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Peter Jones has clarified Britain’s proposed plans to ask  visitors visa applicants from the country and others to pay a £3,000 bond on applying.

According to the High Commissioner who took to social media platform Twitter to explain the issue, the visa bond is possible but the British government has not taken any decision on the matter.

“To be clear: visa bonds a possible pilot. Nothing decided,” Peter Jones (@HCPeterJones) tweeted today June 25, 2013.

According to the UK Home Secretary Theresa May, the bond idea which is likely to be piloted from November this year is aimed at deterring people from “high risk” countries staying in the UK once their short-term visas expire.

Visitors from six countries including Ghana, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nigeria are reported to be the countries the pilot scheme will start with.

“If it did roll out, would apply to only a small number,” Mr Jones said on Twitter adding “the pilot would be risk based for certain individuals. Not the majority”.

Mr Jones went on to advise visa applicants to apply in good time and follow the online guidance.

By Ekow Quandzie