Talk:Young Quakers disappointed by UK visa denials
I went ahead and published this article but would prefer if some changes were made to make it of more general interest:
- Include sources other than WGYF.
- Include a discussion of how security concerns in the UK may have prompted a crackdown on visas from countries with terrorism problems.
StuRat 21:58, 22 August 2005 (UTC)
Thanks StuRat, I am trying to get more details from the organisers about the whys of the visa denials and apparently there still might be developments. It may be a bit tricky to get other sources but there may be more out there! ClareWhite 08:34, 23 August 2005 (UTC)
I've taken out this line - The Quakers who were denied visas were mainly from Africa and India. Recent terrorist attacks on London subways and buses may be responsible for the UK's stricter visa policy this year. - for the time being as it's unsourced, unless anyone can confirm that this was the reason: I'm not convinced that higher security is the reason, it is always very difficult for people from Africa to come over in particular. ClareWhite 08:46, 23 August 2005 (UTC)
Original notes
editI've just spoken to John Fitzgerald, a European organiser, and am asking him to confirm the quotes I took:
About 60 Africans and 3 Indians who were chosen to attend the Gathering had their visas denied. We’ve had individual reasons for people, for most of the Africans it was that their levels of income wasn’t enough and they would want to stay as economic migrants. UK Visas have been pretty open with us and we are going to send a report as feedback to someone in their policy unit but we will probably also get in touch with our MPs as well. A lot of the measures they are using don’t really suit young people. They’re looking for assets, a secure job or a family and that don’t really apply to a lot of 25-year-olds. We have chosen two representatives from each of the regional groups and the planning group who will go to Kenya around 20 October to share some of the programme with African Friends.