The United Kingdom is not going to refund visa applicants from Kenya who have been rejected as they seek to go to the European nation.
Despite a massive uproar recently levelled at the UK over the dubious dealings of its contracted visa centre in Kenya, Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Ed Barnett maintained that the UK would proceed with its no-refund policy for rejected applicants.
“There is no plan at present to provide full or partial refunds when visa applications are rejected,” Barnett stated.
“I think the culmination of having clear guidelines and encouraging those who are applying for visas is to read those (guidelines) and provide as much evidence as possible when setting out the application to increase the likelihood that it can be a success,” he added.
Even so, Barnett maintained that systems were being put in place to ensure that the process of visa application would be more efficient for Kenyans.
Barnett noted that the strategy would entail having a more open communication channel with interested applicants to enable those seeking visas to have the requisite information when applying and reduce their chances of being rejected.
He further added that the UK would seek to make the language in the rejection letters “more simplified” to provide rejected applicants with a better understanding of the dos and don’ts of UK visa applications during future visa-seeking attempts.
The top diplomat listed not providing enough evidence pertaining to one’s employment status and ties to Kenya as the main cause of visa application rejection. He advised future applicants to provide as much documentary evidence as possible, providing a guarantee that they would not overstay if granted a UK visa.
The latest update comes after Kenyans voiced their disappointment with the firm outsourced to facilitate UK visa applications for Kenyans.
Kenyans accused the firm of exploiting Kenyans through exorbitant fees, poor communication, and humiliating Kenyans, including vulnerable groups like the elderly. At the centre of the allegations was the charging of an extra Ksh17,000 for ‘VIP/Premium’ services, which included air-conditioned rooms and faster processing.
The firm was also put on the spot over a lack of proper waiting areas, leaving those unable to cough up an extra amount in the scorching sun. Lack of adequate parking was also highlighted.
Barnett, who was speaking to NTV, acknowledged the concerns, adding that the UK government would take action and provide solutions for the disgruntled Kenyans affected by the visa application centre.
Currently, the cost of a standard UK visa is Ksh22,000 (£127). For longer visas ranging from two to ten years, the cost ranges from Ksh84,000 (£475) to Ksh187,538 (£1,059).