British Embassy-What a Decision!

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:51

My son and his wife Burcu have booked for their holidays in England for the period 1-8th October 2009. My son has a British Passport but his wife Burcu has a Turkish Passport so she applied for a visa to the British High Commission. She has been refused a visa without even a need for an interview on the basis she is likely to stay in England and not come back!



The reason for refusal state thus:

"You state that you wish to visit UK for 8 days as a tourist with your husband. You state you live in Cyprus with your husband and you have shown your family book as evidence of the relationship but none regarding your life in Cyprus such as a joint rental agreement, bank account or bill. You state you work with your husband and you are self employed as photographers but again no documents have been submitted in support of this claim. The lack of documentation..."



*Well, they live in a house registered in my name, so no rental agreement. I wished he asked why no rental agreement.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:51

*They submitted papers of registration at companies house as joint owners of a company called "Burcu Photography". The officer ignored or missed this one.



*She submitted papers to show that she is registered with the tax office. The officer ignored or missed this one too.



*She submitted her brochure as photographer with web page printed on it showing she is full time photographer here in Cyprus. The officer ignored or missed this one too. Of course all these papers were in Turkish.



*She stated that her husband is a British Passport holder. No comment on this one, maybe it was ignored.



I just wonder how things are done at the British Embassy here in Nicosia. I don't think much of civil service in TRNC but this takes the biscuit.



I hope someone from the Embassy reads this. They have already paid for the airways and the accomodation but hard luck. They will lose the money. They will have to take a holiday somewhere else but I hope the officer responsible sleeps well with

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:52

well with such a shoddy decision. At least if not sure he could have asked for an interview. Any comments?

ismet

(Very angry tonight)



PS: Entry Clearence Officer: MC

Date of refusal: 05/08/2009.

They were aware of the decision only today.

kaysera


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 103

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:58

I for one am totally appalled at this treatment Ismet.

As a Brit I feel ashamed of the standard (lack of) service your relations have received from the government employees of the UK.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 21:59

thats shit ismet , you must take it further , if your son has a british passport and a business with his wife in trnc , how can they say she might not go back , their is nothing to gain in uk , they,re simply going on holiday ?

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:00

Ismet, You might be a little past the starting post for this but I had the same issue with my Russian wife gaining a visa for the UK. Fortunately we recieved the advice before hand but we had to open a bank account for my wife in UAE and deposit the equivelant of 2000 GBP to prove that she could look after herself financially and also that she would be returning to UAE at leats to get her money.

It might not require this amount but that's what we were advised and this also will give her a postal address linked to the account.



I am reaaly sorry if this advice doesn't help your situation as being Cyprus and reading the info you have given it might not but we did all this for the british embassy as well as the wedding certificate and all went well.



I do hope things work out for your family,

Paul

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:04

Ismet

You know they have the right to appeal and should do so.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:12

Ismet



Was the wedding in Britain? If not has the wedding certificate been translated into English? If not, do so asap getting it stamped by an Advocate/Official and take the chances on landing in the UK. From memory, a three year marriage period plus should suffice but the laws change on a daily basis. Good luck.



Richard

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:14

i cant get my head around this , british government have just let a terrorist stay in the uk to work as a doctor , but a couple from trnc cant go to uk for a holiday , makes me ashamed to be british , fight this ismet , good luck les .

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:30

Thanks everybody for your support and suggestions. Appeal can be made only on the grounds of illegality but not against bad judgement. So that rules out an appeal. A fresh application is possible but slim chance when you have a recent refusal.



I am going to write a letter tonight and take i,t to the Embassy in person tomorrow morning and see what happens. We can make a fresh application if we get the go ahead from them.



How about any of you knowing somebody from the Embassy, any personal contacts?

ismet

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:38

Really disgusting Elko. Would a wee notice in the national press be useful?

metin


Joined: 08/09/2008
Posts: 1588

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:40

Good luck Ismet tomorrow. Was hoping to take my new husband to the UK (hes Turkish). Looks like we're going to have the same problems.

If you find a solution, please let us all know.



Thanks.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:41

Ismet



I think you'll find all the front of desk employees are TC's. The most accommodating one is the head chap that deals with UK Passport renewals. Take as much paperwork, flight tickets booked, all passports, Wedding Certs. etc as possible. Sorry, all my FO contacts long gone. If you wish company email me off board and I'll try and join you.



Richard

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:43

Good Luck tomorrow Ismet, fingers crossed all goes well, will be thinking of you

sheila

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 22:47

ismet , your son has a british passport , he also has a wife , they only want to go on holiday , theyre not doing anything wrong , please take your son and his passport with you tomorrow and demand a visa for his wife , my god i hope uk isnt siding with gcs , that will be the biggest sell out of all time , keep us posted ismet .

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:19

Msg. 13

Richard,

The chap you are talking about is Tuncer, he is a personal friend from the English School

I will be ok but thanks anyway.

ismet

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:26

Ismet,



Have a word with Arold Crudd.....he is a Civil Servant and may be able to help in your family quest.



Then again he could be the one that refused the entry visa! been told he is totally impartial in these and all Cypriot related matters.

Graham


Joined: 20/10/2007
Posts: 397

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:32

Elko is your daughter a tc if so is she entitled to a european passport from the south then will not need a visa.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:44

Graham,

She is a Turkish national but she can go to the south. Probably she can get a ROC passport too but she does not want it on principle.

ismet

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
10/08/2009 23:49

She already got the TRNC id card.

ismet

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:03

Elko2

I believe you should recheck the papers for rights of appeal . As a family member of a Brit Passport holder/EU she may have rights of appeal. Also remember, on reciept of an appeal the rules are quie clear tht a senior ECO will need to revist the application before despatching it off and the for the appeal process to continue. However, at this point there exists the possibilit thy that the senior ECO may reach a different decision because the appeal will give you an opportunity to submit additional documents to elaborate/collaborate (inc translation) of what was submitted at the time of application. Unfortunately, the evidence at the time of submission of application on which the eco took a decision is crucial - introducing further evidence although include by all means but may not be taken into account.

On the other hand there is nothing stopping you loding a fresh application countering all the issues raised in the notice of refusal.. I trust this helps or me email at

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:10

Final Solution



Bazooka Croydon!



Richard

berkeh2001


Joined: 28/02/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:14

my advice take them to court for the principle of the matter they denied my father to come to the uk when my aunts daughter was 15 years old who was very ill they said he was going to stay there in the uk produced every document you could think of they reused my dad 5 times he applied eventually i took them to court and we won and he came over but sadly it took time and he was to late to see her she passed away he visited her grave and went back i hope they are happy now with there decision to refuse decent and honest people i will never forgive them for that i don't think they are human in the embassy any way good luck ismet

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:24

Richard, Not that I think it's a bad idea but why Croydon and secondly where do you stock pile your shells for the bazooka, I only ask because I think the ham shanks are still looking for the WMD's ( I hope the DoHS aren't monitoring, I'm already getting trouble with the US visas)

berkeh2001


Joined: 28/02/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:29

and the rest as well

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:35

Msg 24



I'm well out of date however, in my day anything to do with immigration and the right of entry was dealt with from Croydon.



Richard

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 00:52

Im so very sorry that yor family are subjected to this. When they let all and sundry in. House them feed them etc. I hope and pray you get it sorted out. xx

HiBerke


Joined: 10/08/2009
Posts: 1

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 06:24

I'm Koray and Burcu's friend Berke, and I'm saddened and baffled by this refusal. I hope everything will go fine tomorrow, just take whatever paper you can with you showing as much connection to Trnc for Burcu as possible.



If all goes downhill, Brinsley's suggestion made a lot of sense to me. If Koray has uncompromised access to the UK with his passport, shouldn't his wife have the same rights by law? Maybe the marriage certificate will be the key.



In any case, I'm wishing good luck. I know Koray and Burcu, they are a hard working couple and they deserve this holiday.



All the best.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 07:13

It seems obvious that she'd no intention of staying in UK. If she had, why bother with a visa. The clowns running UK immigration don't know how to handle a genuine bona fide application. Seems their incompetence has filtered through to the embassies. No doubt they'll grant it this time. good luck



Tony

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:06

Ismet we had the same problem a few years ago with alis brother who wanted to come for a holiday, he had been to the UK several times and always returned before his visa date. we used to have to supply bank statements to prove we could keep him but for some reason this time they did not believe him and refused on the same grounds. I came over to Cyprus and went with him to the embassy only to be told that once they had made their decision we was wasting our time and money trying to change it.

Not many brits realise just how hard it is for a TC to get a visa to visit UK.

CarrieRBag



Joined: 23/12/2008
Posts: 1374

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:10

I would ask Naomi Mehmet for advice, she is sensible and should give you good advice. Good luck, this is just appalling!!!

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:23

Ismet



Letter is very unlikely to do you any good and i really believe you are wasting your time- I have dealt with hundreds of such applications (99% success rate on appeal) and the only options you have is as mentioned above. Message above cut off by word limit but here is an email if you require further assistance khattaksolicitors@hotmail.com.



Best

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 09:29

Good luck Ismet .

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 10:28

Not that it's any consolation, Ismet, but New Zealanders get treated just as badly.

Tinkie


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 1256

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 11:22

I am English and my partner is Turkish and we have a 3 1/2 year old boy. We went to England when he was one and managed to get the visa. To do so we covered absolutely everything. Copy of bank statements, proof of address here, letters from employers, family in England with details of their bank accounts etc etc. There is a whole list of criteria with the relevant documents on the internet and we just did every single one!! It was time consuming we were interviewed etc and it cost quite a lot but we went.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 11:37

can't see the point - if it was that good, there wouldn't be so many folk leaving....

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 11:55

msg. 32

Fred,

I understand your point about letter of complaint not doing any good but I really think differently simply because the officer recected a visa on the grounds that she did not submit any documents to prove that she had a work in Cyprus. This is simply not true. She submitted:

1. Registration of BURCU USTUNER PHOTOGRAPHY reg. no. KK01510. Missed or ignored.

2. Two documents from Inlan Revenue showing Burcu as partner in BURCU USTUNER PHOTOGRAPHY. Missed or ignored.

3. British Paasport of husband. Submitted.

4. Social Insurance Card of TRNC showing that she works. Submitted. Missed or ignored.

5. Professional brochure of BURCU USTUNER PHOTOGRAPHY including her web page. Missed or ignored.



So this is not a simple complaint but beyond that. I am hoping to get a reply soon.

ismet

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 12:01

Please let us know how you get on Ismet good luck

rod28


Joined: 02/02/2009
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 12:21

You have my thoughts as i have been there many times(for my wifes family to visit uk). If you can visit the embassey and ask them what specificalley they want in the form of documents they can sometimes give you a pointer. Unfortunatley they will not review the first application(even when they make a mistake!i have had this in Baku) you have to re-apply . Do not be too disapointed as i have often had more luck the second time around.

good luck

Analyst_CY


Joined: 10/08/2009
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 12:30

IMO the immigration officer was doing his job. The TRNC is well known as a people trafficking route which attracts criminals and drug dealers who take advantage of corrupt authorities and non-EU standards. If you are not an EU national and you can't prove your credentials the UK Border Agency has every right to turn back people they consider undesirable.On the one hand we have people on here bemoaning the fact that foreigners, asylum seekers etc flock to our shores to take advantage of our welfare system, but now since it's the old pals act it's suddenly so unfair. Be consistent.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 12:43

Ismet,



We talked last night on this and I hope that it might help.



I am well aware of these problems and it is not only Turkish Cypriots who suffer this I have known many people from Non EC countries suffer likewise.



I have experience with Turk's, Czech's (before they joined the EU), Australians, Kiwi's, Iranian's and many others often they have had a second/strong connection that is British and even then can't get the clearance.



The UK is paranoid about overstay and illegal immigration as it is seen as one of the golden countries in much of the rest of the world.



In the case of Turkish Cypriots this is even more painful than most as their own country and passport is seen as being a black sheep, so they often have to use a Turkish passport to travel, etc. etc.



We all wish Burcu luck.

jimmyG


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 900

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 15:37

Analyst-CY - given the 'proof' provided to immigration, as detailed in Msg 37 how can you deduce that the 'official' was doing their job? I'm not suggesting their job is easy but I think consistency is what's clearly lacking in our Border controls rather than in the views expressed on this thread.

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 15:47

ismet

try and see if you can contact by email uk mp who might be able to help you pro turkish of course



its not nice can your sons wife not get a dual nationality passport at some stage

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 15:59

Here is a copy of my letter: http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq570VS

I see nothing secret about it and we will see if they will admit to their mistake or play the upper stiff lip

ismet

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:03

ismet - a very well balanced letter in my humble opinion.



Hope it does the trick.



Good luck.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:09

ismet, good letter, says every thing, points to an official that needs a 'jobs worth hat', do hope they see sence, all the best to you,

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:41

good letter elko



elko try this http://www.andrewpelling.org.uk/record.jsp?type=requiredPage&ID=23&contact=contact



think this guy is mp for croyden might help to e mail him

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:43

The vast majority of these decisions are overturned in the immigration tribunals and for this very reasons, including to avoid delays and unnecessary bottlenecks and expense, a second tier of scrutiney was "established to ensure the job was done correct by the 'junior officers'. There are a lot of over zealous young officers enforcing immigration rules and procedures and you will be surprised how often adjudicators come down harshly on these officers -so it is not just a case of keeping a proper eye. Most of these officers lack the cultural sensitivities as well as knoweldge of their country postings. For exampl, what Ismet says about owning a house and now the couple staying is not unusual in th econtext of a muslim-Turkish community but to a young immigration officer this wil put his 'radar' on full alert and the onus falls on the applicant to make sure that the 'radar' is 'satisfied'

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:50

guess the radar is turned off at the channel tunnel then

jimmyG


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 900

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:53

Good letter Ismet - I hope that it does the trick and thanks Fred8 for clarifying the 'real world' for Analyst-CY.

Offshore1


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 26

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 07:22

I would question the "no right of appeal" aspect. Does your daughter in law have any of the following relatives in the UK (copied from the UKBA website)



"# the applicant's spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or first cousin (NB: "first cousin" means, in relation to a person, the son or daughter of his uncle or aunt);

# the father, mother, brother or sister of the applicant's spouse"



If so she should be seeking a family visit visa, refusal of which attracts a right of appeal. As I recall it is matter of ticking the "family visit" box on the first page of the visa application form. My guess would be she didn't do this which allowed the visa officer to make an arbitrary decision without fear of challenge.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 07:32

Offshore1,

I am sure she did not tick the family visit box because that is not the case. That may be the reason for such a flippant decision. By writing such a letter I am sure somebody will look into it and even if they do not admit to such an irresponsible behaviour and misuse of power, I do hope that they will at least ask me or encourage me for a second application. I think the cost is about 80 Euros. Thge cost is not very important for me but of course the principle is wrong. If something is wrong, one should not pay for the fault of another.



I can hear many expats exclaiming that they have been paying all along for the mistakes of others in TRNC but would it be fair to compare the UK esablishment with the lot in TRNC? Certainly not!

ismet

Harold2555



Joined: 19/04/2008
Posts: 1139

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 08:57

Ismet Bey



So sorry about this, If you would like anything done in England (Where I am stuck till September) just ask.





Harold2555

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 09:53

Tell her to wear a full burka, claim political asylum, no problem. The UK government will also give her money to spend while there!!!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 10:07

Dear Ismet



I wish I had seen this article earler. I'm sorry that your DiL has encountered this problem. May be you missed it but I have oft posted "derisive" comments to folk who think the UK are "soft" on immigration....



Your story is all TOO familiar to me.



IMHO UK Visa applications should always include a short explanatory covering letter and LOTS of financial background, proof of a "life" in the home country and a reason to return.



I have an aquaintence in the UK who married a lovely non EU citizen, and was refused "leave to remain" ( they believed the marriage was genuine) on the grounds he couldn't support her!! His bank staements showed he was contantly in the red by approx 1-2 K Sterling, but the Visa oficer didn't bother to pay attetion that he owned FOUR houses and was selling two for 800K and "only" 400K owing on 'em .. :0



This section of the VISA "help" section is MOST relevant:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf2visitors#9275887



Pls email

gooligan


Joined: 30/01/2007
Posts: 1591

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 10:10

doddies,sadly that is so true.Hard working decent folk who want to visit the UK get turned away.

Ismet,hope the officer sees sense and reverses this stupid decision,or at least bother to read the application in the first place and then make a decision.Why would anyone want to leave here and stop in the UK at the moment?

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 10:14

Harold2555,

I have been overwhelmed by offers of help from many quarters, much appreciated. You all know me, I will not let anyone get away with such a shoddy decision. I intend to go all the way.



Another avenue to explore is the EU-Turkey Ankara Protocol and the recent ECJ decision. In that particular case a Turkish truck driver was refused visa by Germany and it was found against the Ankara Protocol because the refusal of a visa hindered free movement of services. So may be this case will give me a golden opportunity to practice my hobby again

ismet

PS: Harold thanks for yor input the other day about the choice for buyers.

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 10:23

BTW Ismet.



I think your DiL should abandon her principles...... I got an IRL passport and theere was time when more senior members of my family would have had me tarrred and feathered..



Getting a RoC passport should be regarded as a convenience to her, not "regognition"..and a HECK of a lot less cost and hassle for travel.



I would think a possible RoC refusal would give you lots more "fun"..

jewels


Joined: 06/06/2009
Posts: 73

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 17:51

ismet abi, collect all the documentation you have, go back and tell them you think that the decision was wrong and you want it checked again. it always works. at the end of the day if they wish to move to britain and work there, they have the right to do so. trust me, appeal and show them your flight tickets. tell them you want it sorted fast ! tell them the delay is their fault, so they should treat the appeal as urgent.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 20:06

hi elko,

our britsh passport holding friend married a turkish lady and they had much the same as your son.

i spent a whole evening making sure they got it right and filled in the visa application for them.

they refused her a holiday, it was short notice and a family party, the invite was by telephone and then text message.

they refused to believe them and refused her entry to the uk.

she owns a house here with her hubby and one in turkey, why would she want to stay in the uk.?

she just wanted to meet her new family.

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 20:21

Hi Ismet! Just read your posting! It is a sad reflection on how the system works (or rather doesn't work)!



1. Your letter is a good start - but I would have sent it to the HC directly and a CC to the 1st Officer!



2. Collect all the douments you have - translate them in to English where need be and get them notarised as a true copy / translation. Make a second application immediately! Include a covering letter from yourself as to why no rent is being paid! Take all and any other support documentation that you have available!



3. Make an appointment with the HC - as you are a British Subject he / she is your SERVANT! At the meeting bring copies of all documents including the rejection letter and the original documents supplied with the 1st application.



They will respond to this type of pressure as alarm bells will ring that you will NOT take this lying down! Sometimes it take a sledge hammer to crack a nut - and you my friend are that hammer!



You will get a positive result.

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 20:31

Continued:



Just some other thoughts.



1. You could provide a letter of guarantee - that yoir DiL will return to the TRNC - it does work in some cases.



2. Issuing of a visa is largely 'discretionary' so if there is someone here with connections to the HC it would help!



3. Take copies of the postings from this site in support of your case!



Just being firm, polite and persistent also helps!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 01:31

Dear moover321



Sorry - but taking cuttings from "North Cyprus" forums - where the REAL decisions / influencers are south of the green line is NOT the wisest move..



Ismet's son has merely to convince the UK that his partner has ties back at home, a bit of dosh behind her, and is no "risk".. re overstaying...

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 02:03

jesus mark takes you back to the old days in ireland when our passports well nuff said. I cant beleive this in this day and age. When we all know what goes on with the EU countiers filing in for what they can get. You have had many probs for Vita I know but why oh why does this happen. I know my lovely friend Elko will sort it . No free movement here then why do you have to prove anything xxxxx

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 02:33

Could she not apply for Greek Cypriot citizen passport?

LondonCypriot


Joined: 15/12/2008
Posts: 426

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 02:38

http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/All/062D1D09B249A23EC22571A4002976D0?OpenDocument



Aliens who are married to Cypriot citizens are entitled to apply for Cypriot citizenship, after completing three years of marriage and cohabitation with their Cypriot spouse. The marriage certificate, good character certificate, the birth certificate of the applicant and particulars of the Cypriot spouse (i.e. copy of Cyprus passport) are required. Also a certificate issued by the Chairman of Communal Council (Muhtar) stating that that two spouses have been living continuously in his sector for at least two years immediately prior to the date of their application, should be provided. The applicant must be legally residing in Cyprus. The application must be submitted on form M125 (in duplicate).

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 04:01

Msg. 66

LondonCypriot,

This is very useful information. Assuming that she does want to get a ROC passport, which Muhtar is going to certify that she lives in his area? Is there a Muhtar for Famgusta recognized by ROC? I know that they have a "Mayor of Famagusta" (GCs are an interesting lot), so presumably they may have a Muhtar of Famagusta too but their Famagusta may be different from ours. I showed diligence not to mention any borders here so as not to upset my friend here



As for the original subject of the Visa, I am sure I will get it one way or another although it may be too late for the planned October 2009 date. An appeal is certainly on the books. I can understand the officer making a bad judgement but what I cannot understand is how he/she can say that no documents have been submitted to prove that she has a job in Cyprus when in fact several documents were submitted. This is the crunch of the matter.

ismet

ismet

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 08:01

6m's as usual you like to take things out of context - why not actually read the whole posting rather than pick holes as you usually seem to do with anyone who is being positive! Perhaps you should look to your so called experience to know that despite your 'sound' advice and undoubted self-belief you still failed to get your wife's documents sorted (your own admission).



I on the other hand have actually got many positive results with my approach! Res ipsa locitur!



Or may be you should just stick to what you know - what was it now? Ah yes, supporting the GC in any cause against the TC and yes, satellite TV!

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 10:33

ISMET

It just crossed my mind that the suspicion at the back of the mind of the eco may be, accepting that all other documentation is in order, that by applying for a visitors visa, your son and his wife may have been jumping the spouse entry clearance process - this usually weighs heavily when the queing time between the two process is widely divergent ( as it is in many countries) In Cyprus Iwould have though tthis may not be such a problem but with the large cypriot community in in the UK this can not be ruled. Therefore, the 'intention' element in the application will take a different turn , and so will the evidentiary burden - but only if this is the case. In our rightous indigantion with the system we must not rule out any possibilitiy for the decision to refuse entry may have fallen foul of some rule.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 12:13

Fred,

Leaving the rules to one side, why shoud the Entry Clearence Officer say that no documents were submitted with respect to employment when in fact this is not true. I am focussing on this point. Could it be that ECO simply ignored any document in Turkish?



I suppose in UK if a British subject applies to Turkish Embassy for a visa, the applicant is not expected to submit documents from say the Inland Revenue in Turkish. The Turkish Embassy is supposed to have personnel conversant with the official language of the country they are serving in. Similarly since Turkish is officially an official language in Cyprus, I would not expect documents in Turkish to be ignored. At least the ECO could have asked for translations rather than ignore them altogether. Any thoughts on this point?

ismet

baxi7


Joined: 23/09/2008
Posts: 130

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 12:43

ismet - ask for tuncell berk , he may be able to help you ? .

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 12:43

Most missions either require an annontated translation or a certified of documents supplied. But a phone call to the HC on their policy may not be amiss. I have seen cases were the ECO requesting translation of documents submitted without outright rejection but these are far between. Immigration rules and procedure, as compared to other aspects of law governing us is subject to a lot of discretion.



Whilst not losing sight of the fact that future visit application are not jeopardised, I sympathise with you in respect of these documents supplied having been totally ignored, nevertheless the position must be clarified ...



Just did a quick check on World Bridge for Cyprus: "All application forms for UK visas must be completed in English. Supporting documents, which are in a foreign language, must be accompanied by an English translation when submitted with the application"

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 13:05

Dear Moover321

re 68



1/ You don't actually tell us which part of my criticism of your advice to Ismet "offends you.. "interesting"



2/ My Wifes's "problems" were

a) with the correct residency status in *RoC*

b) she merely awaits a rubber stamping of UK residency - she is *HERE* ... until she gets it she would need a visa to re-enter..







I KNOW you are trying to HELP Izzie, but - just to clear it up - we have NEVER had a problem with Visas of the type Ismet's D-in-Law wanted to enter the UK,...and that was even BEFORE we were married...



Now WHAT was that you were saying about paying attention !? ;)



re msg 70/72



ALL relevant docs MUST have translations - assume NOTHING.... the folk who look at these docs simply reject any non compliant application:(

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 13:59

re 66



Hi Ismet !



Couldn't resist commenting on the potential RoC passport application.





When I wanted to marry, we had to find the local Mukhtar ( you see the GCs use a TR word ! ) in our district in Limas(s)ol to sign a paper that we lived at the address we stated.... I had never MET him..



I see NO reason the RoC could refuse your D-i-L application - should she try to apply.



This would be a good case for the ECHR..( once local remedies were exhausted!) -if they refused her application.



The EU aren't much help as they WON'T get involved in issues of citizenship - just non-compliance of EU Directives...



Anyway . good luck in you quest to get a the Visa - and I'm quite contactable.. ;)

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 14:06

Ismet, my fiance is Turkish, we want to go to London for a week at the end of September, we had to fill out the form from the High Commission for a general visitor Visa & provide around 30 documents-originals & photocopies, the file was so heavy by the time we submitted it yesterday, next week we will know if his visa is successful, we have an appointment.

On the form it states that any papers/documents not supplied results in immediate visa refusal, we added papers that were not necessary but may help including the ones required listed on the last page of the form, these included pay slips,bank statements,residential contract,insurance,army papers, travel arrangements, parents financial status, university diploma etc etc I translated all the papers & signed my name under the translations & added supporting notes to things like bank statements in English, when we went people were giving papers very messily & had missing papers / no photocopies etc & the staff were very angry at this.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 14:22

Rowlo etc this is nothing new, Turkish people cannot go to the South and it is very hard for them to get a Visa for England no matter the circumstances, ie married to a Brit or not, I think only if you have a lot of money they let you have one or very good reasons to come back, they believe all Turkish people want to 'escape' to the UK and get benefits or a job etc Ismet my fiance uses a forum that is in Turkish:



http://ingiltereforumlari.com/



and for people who want to get Visas for the Uk he found it very useful, people have posted their correspondance with the embassy and give useful tips etc also please note that the Visa costs 83Euros now and you must bring the exact fee, I think you son and his wife should try again submitting all the relevant papers and translatiıons

Good luck Natx

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 14:38

Re msg 35 I agree it has been very time consuming getting the Visa file ready and also the form itself is really ridiculous it actually asks questions like have you been involved in terrorism acts as if anyone would tick the yes box and is very personal, you have to include originals of the visa applicants' parents fiancial bank statements even if they are over 18 and write all about their income in detail, property ownership etc your income, the income of the people you will be staying with in the UK etc it makes you realise how easy it is for us Brits travelling to most places in the world where we just go to the embassy in advance or turn up at the airport in another country pay a fee for our Visa and we are in, just like that!

Natx

Fred8


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 253

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 15:28

What has realy been missed is, and brings a lot of scrutiny, to Turlish applicants is the asylum factor. Turkish citizens (read Kurdish) are viewed with extra vigilance and eco have instructions when making decision to ensure when an applicant once in the Uk does not apply for asylum. How you ensure this is beyond me but the uality of paperwork lodged at the time of application and family connections, etc are all issues to play a role.



On another issue, it is easier to satisfy the rules for a british citizen to take his non-ec spouse, visit or otherwise, to other ec country than UK

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 16:04

msg 78 I agree, we have some Turkish friends who have been to Italy etc and don't even have a UK spouse!

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 16:52

I think this thread has been very informative. To summ it up:

1. Don't take anything for granted and supply all possible information as possible, otherwise your application may be rejected even without an interview and not given a chance to fill in verbally.



2. All documents must be in English or must have a rough and ready translation even if your documents are in the official language of the country you are in.



3. A spouse of a Cypriot must be at least 3 years in Cyprus and living with spouse before applying for a ROC passport or ID card.



Now we all know. Thanks to all contributors.

ismet

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 08:02

Ismet,



-Am not sure a 'rough and ready' translation would suffice, but an accurate translation would be much better of all documents submitted as you say,



-Also required one passport sized photograph with a white background (someone at the High Comission the other day was trying to submit a photo with a blue background and this was rejected) tips for the photograph can also be found on: http://ingiltereforumlari.com/



-I don't think the spouse factor is important at all, more important is that the applicant has contacts in England and supplies their contact details to the High Comission.



-Also, use the 'Guidance Notes' supplied by the High Comission when filling out the form it helps you to make sure you are giving the right information.



Good luck for your daughter in laws' new application!

Natx

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:13

I had this e.mail this morning from the visa section:



"Dear Mr Ustuner,



Thank you for your letter of 10 August 2009 about the refusal of your daughter-in-law's visa. This has been passed to the Entry Clearance Manager, which will be replied to within 20 days."



So they are not in a hurry. Better pay €83 and apply again this time with all the documents complete.

ismet

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 19:19

6m - It seems you get so easily confused! may be it is YOU who needs to pay attention to what people are saying! But of course you are 'Mr Know-it-all' and you can never be wrong about anything - can you?



As for my comments of course they were meant to be helpful and I hope they are - the main point of what I had said was 'apply again without delay'!



Nonetheless, you still have to get your 6 cents worth of nit-picking!



As far as your own personal situation regarding applications etc,. I was merely pointing out that you too had problems so whilst some of us are trying to help you use this forum for what appears to be 3 reasons:



1. To show off how much you know (or believe you know)



2. To belittle others as this gives you a feeling of 'superiority' (who cares)



3. And to support the GC cause to their property rights - without due balance in the mistaken belief that the history of the GC / TC dispute stems from 1974.



Enough said-but I would guess never enough for you!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 19:56

Msg 77 - You would not believe how many customers get up tight with me for pointing out they will need to get a visa or stamp on entering Turkey, North Cyprus and many other countries - they seem to think that as a Brit they can go anywhere in the world with no formalities.



So I like your comment " it makes you realise how easy it is for us Brits travelling to most places in the world" You try crossing any border with a "travel document" as a stateless citizen* - many people have to (you even need permision to go back to the country you are departing from). * in a technical sense Turkish Cypriots are in the last category.



Tom

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 22:14

Tom,

they would have to be pretty ignorant customers thinking they can enter non EU countries without any 'formalities' as you say, but there are all kinds of people out there!

My point was it is much easier for us Brits to obtain Visas, ie by paying a small fee on arrival/at an mbassy in advance compared to the file I worked on with my fiance for over a month, with over 30 documents to gather, photocopy, translate & then submit!

Hope all is well

take care

Natx

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 01:01

Moover321 re 83



This is "Ismet's thread" - if you wish to continue to make "an ass" of yourself the floor is yours..

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 08:22

6m.....! Yes, this is Ismet thread...glad you finally realised!



Love your comment LOL Can't resist can you....touched a raw nerve, did I? The truth hurts?

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 10:23

DO try reading msg 73/86... AGAIN.. How can a "raw nerve" be touched when "we" haven't experienced a Visa refusal?..



I'm sure members are more interested in reading about how Ismet can move thing fwd, rather than your "attempts" to "score a point"..

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 14:41

Ismet, Good luck with your problem. I am sure that you of all people will soon get to the bottom of this unjust decision.

Please ignore the unhelpful and irrelevant infighting from some of the other posters. some Ego's are very sensitive !

Moover321


Joined: 11/04/2009
Posts: 649

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 18:14

Ismet, Inshallah all will be well )



6m, no one in the right mind is scoring points as you put it besides yourself of course! But then that is what you do isn't it? Raw nerve? I guess you missed the 3 points - but then that should not be surprising - you are always selective about what you quote - often out of context and more often then not purely for the reasons I have stated!



Of course I have touched a raw nerve and it wasn't about your visa - now there's a clue - let's see if you can work it out without resorting to diatribe! Good luck

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 13:35

Ismet, please read the following link:



http://ukincyprus.fco.gov.uk/en



'The Consular and Immigration sections of the British High Commission at Alexander street and at Shakespeare avenue (29 Mehmet Akif Cad) will be closed to all customers from Monday 7 September to Wednesday 9 September. We will re-open on Thursday 10 September 2009 at 08:00. This closure is due to the installation of a new computer system. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.'



This is making everything take longer, we had an appointment on the 21st of August and it has now been postponed to the 11th of September! They called saying they had computer problems! The process is therefore now taking 4 weeks instead of one! Very annoying, would have been quicker to have done the application via Turkey at this rate! Also, please be aware that for Visa applications they are now only open on Wednesdays and Fridays 7.30am-9.30am we arrived around 6am and were third in the queue.



Natx

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 14:33

Thanks Nat. She reapplied last Friday and apparently the result will be out on 2nd September. Assuming that they do not refuse the application off-hand, do they always call for an interview or do they sometimes grant the visa without the need for an interview? On the second attempt we have overwhelmed them with documents and copies and translations of almost everything. It was compiled in three thick files, 1) The originals, 2) The photocopies, 3) Copies of Service Agreements for the last 12 months.



The originals included her passport, marriage certificate, British passport of husband, car logbooks one in her name and one in her husband's name, numerous bank accounts for her, her husband separately and jointly plus many bank accounts for me here and the USA, plus several title deeds in my name and my wife's name jointly or separately, plus company registration papers in her and husband's name, TRNC ID card, Social Insurance and Inland Revenue records, etc. etc. We played it accordin

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 14:35

We played it according to the book this time. Let us see what they will do!

ismet

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 21:22

Hi Ismet,



re msg 93







I REALLY hope she will be successful this time..

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 21:27

Message 92/93. We really hope your daughter is successful too. Surely they could not possibly have done any more?



Good luck and kind regards.



Paul & Jean

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 23:14

Ismet, but will they have time to read all that by 2nd sept???

Hope all works out OK.

Jetski


Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 584

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 23:30

HI Ismet,



I didn't see any reference to your grandmothers dental records. Perhaps they'lll overlook this.



Good luck my friend



S

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 08:52

Hi Ismet,



Sounds like our file! He was struggling to get it under the counter!!! When they called they didn't mention an interview, my fiance asked if he would just get the response on the day & they said yes.

Good luck! Am keeping my fingers crossed for Burcu & my fiance Yücel, of course! Please post the results, if we are both successful we should all meet up for a celebratory drink! It was a lot of hard work, translating, photocopying etc & not to mention expensive but inshallah all be worth it in the end! The waiting is quite hard & we are trying to keep our minds on other things, my fiance was informed that they called his work even though he supplied pay slips, a letter for holiday/leave permission, social security papers etc so I have informed his sponsor (my sister, a partner in a London law firm) who we will be staying with, to keep checking her phone at all times incase of a possible phone call, maybe you should do the same as they may well call!

Good luck again!

Natx

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 08:56

PS In answer to your question I believe they call for an interview if they find something not clear or missing in the application but by the sounds of your file, I dont think they will be calling your son and his wife in to check anything!

Natx

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 09:10

Jetski,

They must have forgotten to include those in the check list. I hope now they don't say that visa is refused because the dental records of granma were not submitted!!!



Nat,

They have my telephone number and my wife's. I wrote the covering letter and my wife wrote one with respect to Burcu's employment with her until she got her TRNC card and then became self employed as from 1st of June this year. My wife never answers her mobile in the mornings because she is in court running from one hearing to another and she never checks afterwards for unanswered calls. Her secretary knows limited English. I hope they call me and I will have my day pulling their legs. I bet I will do it if I have a chance.



Actually I am pretty confident about the outcome. Not much at stake anyway, only two way tickets and a weeks stay in a hotel in London, all paid for.

ismet

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 09:26

msg. 99

Nat,

If they do call for an interview I hope they don't ask it on a day they have committments. We have supplied them with copies of service contracts, so they can see if she is free or not on a particular day. They will have to fit in with her programme or no deal. Cancelling a photograpic shooting is out of question. I am sure they will be accomodating on that issue if need be.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 18:28

Ismet, I am sure they are aware that people are working and will give notice if they need to see Burcu for an interiew or can arrange another date.



How did they manage to book their tickets/flights for London? Ours are being held by an agency but we have not been able to pay for them yet as the travel agency said they need to see our passports and especially if one party is Turkish they need to see the Visa stamp on the passport before they issue the tickets, I was told this by Ankara Travel in Girne who said every agency will say the same, we showed the High Commission copies of a reservation from another agency but the flights are only held but not paid for yet. Please advise, thanks!

Natx

PS Sheila/Smithy thanks for the tip, went to Ankara Travel Agency today and they have very competitive prices and English speaking professional staff.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 18:32

contd If this is not clear I will explain, the agency told me that is highly against their policy to issue tickets for London/England to Turkish people if they do not see the Visa stamp on their passports first as if that person decides to try their luck and go anyway the travel agency are responsible....if you know of another way to book please let me know as I dont how long they can hold our tickets for and the prices will go up and availability down by the time we get to actually book on the 11th of September to depart on the 23rd!

Thanks

Natx

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 18:40

contd (sorry everyone I know this must be very boring to read just trying to get Ismets' experience of this as we are going through the same thing!)

I called the British High Comission today following my trip the agency where I intended to pay for the tickets and be on my way and then got my fiance to call explaining the situation regarding the flight tickets and asking if they could bring the decision date forward for us, while they were quite sympathetic and polite they said they could not and we have to wait for the 11th of September our appointment date, this is 3 weeks away, orginally before their alleged computer problems we were to have the decision in a week!

This is all getting very frustrating!!!!! Waiting & waiting while the prices for the flights increase before my very eyes, so unfair!

Natx

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
26/08/2009 14:42

Hi NatAless,

I have just noticed your question. Indeed last night I could not get onto this site and this morning I left home without checking-very unusual



I know that my son did everything on the internet, including reservations for the hotel and the airlines. I am sure it is Pegasus. So you can book on the internet and pay by a credit card. They will check for a visa when boarding the plane. If you wish to contact Burcu and Koray, you can contact them through their site, http://www.burcuustuner.com

ismet

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
26/08/2009 17:02

Hi Ismet, I will have a look at Pegasus prices and availability online now, we dont have a credit card but could always borrow someone elses I suppose! I wanted to fly Turkish airlines but seems you cant book with them online flying from Ercan!

Thanks again

take care

Natx

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
26/08/2009 21:07

Natx - if you want to use Turkish talk to us as long as you have a debit card or internet banking we should be able to help.



May I correct / give an alternate view regarding what the agencies have told you.

If you arrive in the UK without the visa or the UK border Agency have "good cause" to turn you back.

1] The airline has to return you on the next flight (even possibly throwing a paying customer off)

2] The airline pays £2,000 fine + costs

3] You are escorted at all times in the airport and are not free to roam.



The airline will log passport details for all travellers also soon agents will need far fuller details before options are taken let alone tickets issued.

There are many issues that are now cropping up supposdely both to prevent people who from taking up residence in the UK without good reasons and also to prevent the chance of terrorist attacks.



It does not help tourists or people with good cause to visit and all countries will probably get more parochial.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:06

Today she got her visa for UK without the need for an interview. I must say this time round we did everything according to the book. We submitted:

Photocopies of over 50 service contracts for the last 12 months with full names, addresses and telephone numbers that they could check.



Company registration papers in her name.



Logbook of her Pajero jeep.



Several bank accounts for her, her husband and me as father in law and several title deeds.



They could not really refuse it this time. Now good luck to you Natalie.

ismet

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:23

Excellent news Ismet, I hope they now enjoy their trip.

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:25

Nice one Ismet!

zerochlor


Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 4024

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:28

Message 1



i was going to say



tell them both to change there name to mr & mrs mohamed abdulah mustafa visa





it may of helped!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:31

What a bureaucratic palaver, but well done Ismet for sticking it out for a successful outcome.



Richard

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:34

Just shows you can get there in the end, just needs perserverence.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:46

Yeah!!!!! Congratulations to Burcu! Excellent news!!!! That has made my day! It was worth all the effort in the end! We will know on the 11th of September! I will post the result!

Take care

Natx

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 15:03

Hi Ismet !



re msg 108



Very pleased for your D-i-L

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 17:47

I just love 'happy endings'!!!

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 18:03

Congrats Ismet, it's just a pity she missed out on our Summer, it were last Wednesday

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 16:45

msg. 114

NatAles wrote:

"Yeah!!!!! Congratulations to Burcu! Excellent news!!!! That has made my day! It was worth all the effort in the end! We will know on the 11th of September! I will post the result! "



Well, is it a day for celebrations? I hope so, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

ismet

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 19:55

Hi Ismet!



Thanks for remembering me! We have been drowning our sorrows in despair in a pub in Lefkoşa (& I dont usually even drink)!...

But we don't have a negative result thank goodness, just a non result, ie nothing has happened, Yücels' Visa decision has been postponed to next Wednesday & so he has a new appointment date for the 3rd time! Hopefully 3rd time lucky ;0) apparently they still 'didn't decide yet' regarding his file, which was found at the bottom of a load of other files near closing time, looking as pristine as the day we left there ie have they even looked at it yet? They must be putting it off as we submitted so many papers it's a bit like reading war and peace!

It was a complete shambles in there today and even security recommended I write a letter of complaint as we went there for nothing, except to wait and just watch decisions being made on the spot, mostly instant refusals where people hadn't submitted enough papers/the originals/photocopies/translations

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:02

It went like this, they completely ignored his appointment time, every 10 minutes files were coming through from a back room where apparently Yücel saw an English lady looking hurriedly through files then either typing a refusal letter with explanation or stamping a Visa on passports for a sucessful applicant, because perhaps Yücels' was submitted some time ago, it came out near closing time, we waited 3 hours, me out-side in the heat with nowhere to sit, thank goodness there was some shade & I had a bottle of water and Yücel pacing inside trying to be patient, about 2 people were successful and their files had already been approved so we can only deduce that Yücels' file has been somewhat forgotten or not worked on despite the time we have been waiting, Yücel politely asked the celerk working there is he could get his decision today as he had come especially for his appointment and had taken the day off work etc well this man became hysterical shouting insults about how busy they are.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:08

contd they have so many applicatants he has to come back etc he was so stressed and angry at Yücel (who had asked politely and calmly) that even the security guard at the front door went to look and told me that I must write a letter to complain, dont worry we will once the decision has been made (either way) we intend to complain heavily & write an article in a local paper here etc every time I go and wait out-side people are angry at the treatment etc I am always ashamed of being British as the way they conduct themselves in there is beyond belief, hopefully it will all go well, but today Yücel had a day off work, we intended to do something nice together in the afternoon as I also start full time work on Monday and we wasted the whole day there, when waiting for someone you are not allowed to enter the premises (I had our mobile phones and you cannot enter with a mobile phone) what a wasted way, yes hopefully good news on Wednesday but what a struggle!!!!

Natx

rolly


Joined: 12/03/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:10

just shows you what a mess this country is in . run by idiots /jobs worths etc. not even proberbly qualified anyway. utter shambles.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:22

true! People in good jobs here just got them through contacts and relatives, I was in a bank where the clerk needed a calculator for the most basic calculations and calculated I would get 2,000 TL in interest a month!!! Obviously she was very wrong as her colleague corrected her, wish I could have told her that as she had quoted me that already she now had to pay it out to me!!!! It's all about who you know here, a real mafia is in place..ridiculous!

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:23

Nat,

I know how angry you must feel but you did know that they do not allow mobile phones inside the building for security reasons. So you should leave it in the car or at home if you did not go there in a car. The person who did the shouting, was he British or Turkish Cypriot? I know of only one Turkish Cypriot gentleman there apart from the security man and they are always extremely polite to me. I hope "All is well that end well".



Rolly,

Which country are you talking about? I think there is some sort of confusion on this point

ismet

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:27

Ismet



I hope Rolly means both!



Richard

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 20:28

Ismet, the man shouting was Cyprus Turkish dark with crazy frizzy hair and black glasses, yes the security are all friendly polite and helpful, yes we knew about the mobile phone rule, thats why I always wait out-side with mysef and Yücels' mobile phone, also, lots of people usually ask me as today to also look after their phones, I should have charged them! Would have made a fortune today at least it would have been something positive of the day ;0)

inshallah will have a positive and happier post on Wednesday evening, thanks for your thoughts!

Natx

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
11/09/2009 22:25

Nat

Good luck for Wednesday there's a chemist by the American Embacy in London that does a phone minding service £10 a time its their biggest earner

Officialdom is a pain may years ago I went to court for the company I worked for

All morning and until 3pm we sat in a small hot room in Bewdley nothing happening nobody going in

I asked the usher as we finished at 16:30 what had been going on "We dealt with over 150 cases "

They were all rubber stamping jobs and the people were left till last

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
12/09/2009 17:27

Thanks! Yes bl***y 'officialdom' indeed ;0)



Natx

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
19/09/2009 09:26

NatAless,

Any news dear? Normally they say that "No news is good news" but I have a nasty feeling that this may not be so. What happened?

ismet