RIYADH: The British Embassy in Riyadh advised visa applicants to make their applications in time during the summer and said regular visas will be issued in 15 days.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the mission said that the UK does not routinely comment on individual visa applications. “However, we can confirm that the applications from the team will be processed within our published service standards which are 15 working days for non-priority non-settlement visa applications, and 5 working days for priority applications.”
“We advise all visa applicants to factor in time for their visa to be processed when planning their trip to the UK, especially during the summer months. If an applicant requires their visa urgently, they may wish to opt for the priority visa service, for faster processing.”
All applications from the team will be considered carefully by entry clearance officers, on their individual merits, in line with the UK’s immigration rules, the statement said.
“We have seen higher levels of demand for UK visas from Saudi nationals this summer, but we continue to operate within our published service standards.”
The average processing time for Saudi national visitors during the period April 15 to March 16 was 4.4 days. “ Over the busy Eid period, we processed non-settlement visas in an average of 10.5 days, and 98 percent were processed within our service standards.”
“Our customer charter states that if there is a problem with an application (for example if key documents are missing) or if it is complex, we will write to explain why it will not be decided within the normal standard.”
According to British Ambassador Simon Collis, over the last decade more than 100,000 Saudi students were issued visas to study at UK universities and colleges.
There are 15,000 students currently studying at various universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, with women making up one-third. He said that the two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations. “This could be further improved."
UK visa seekers advised to apply in time
UK visa seekers advised to apply in time
Foreign ministers chair Saudi-Omani coordination council meeting in Muscat
MUSCAT: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi on Monday.
They reviewed bilateral relations between their nations and ways to enhance and develop them across various fields. Additionally, they discussed regional and international developments.
The ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the Saudi-Omani Coordination Council in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of the Council’s subsidiary committees and the two heads of the Council’s General Secretariat teams.
The meeting comes as an affirmation of the keenness of Saudi and Omani leaders to strengthen ties and advance them toward greater prosperity for both nations.
In his remarks during the meeting, Prince Faisal affirmed that gathering builds on the previous council meeting, held last year in AlUla, and on its positive and fruitful outcomes within the framework of the approved recommendations and initiatives.
He stressed the importance of continuing the work of the council’s subsidiary committees to complete the necessary procedures to implement the remaining initiatives, and of the General Secretariat’s role in follow-up and in addressing any challenges that may hinder implementation.
He also underscored the importance of developing and enhancing trade relations, stimulating investment, and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.
He also praised the ongoing work to establish and launch the Coordination Council’s electronic platform, which aims to connect all committee work and initiatives to facilitate follow-up on the Council’s progress.
Al-Busaidi affirmed in his remarks the qualitative progress in relations between the two countries and the notable development witnessed across numerous sectors toward achieving economic integration and enhancing intra-trade and joint investments.
The Omani foreign minister also highlighted deeper cooperation in the security and judicial fields, as well as the cultural and tourism sectors, noting the advanced and continuous political cooperation, consultation, and coordination on regional and international issues.
