Wealth not considered in UK visas for Malawi – House of Lords

The British Home Office does not specifically consider wealth of a Malawian applying for a visa in UK, Lord Bates told House of Lords  after mounting pressure from members of parliament who criticised the “disproportionate” application regime.

Lord Bates: No Affluence as specific consideration
Lord Bates: Affluence is not a specific consideration

According to the  Hansard  record seen by Nyasa Times, during discussing in the House of Lords. Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Labour) asked  Her Majesty’s Government  “what level of wealth or assets a citizen of Malawi has to have in order to be granted a visa to visit the United Kingdom.”

In his response,  Lord Bates (Conservative) said the  applicant must satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) that they meet the requirements of the immigration rules.

“The immigration rules apply to all non-EU nationals. For most visit visa categories, there are is no requirement to have specific levels of wealth or assets in order to be granted a visa,” he said.

Lord Bates said the ECO is required to make an overall assessment of the application which takes into consideration the personal circumstances of the applicant, and the ability of any sponsor to support them whilst in the UK.

“Affluence is not a specific consideration. Amongst other considerations, the ECO assess the overall genuineness of the applicant, whether they are likely to leave the UK at the end of their visit, whether they are able to be maintained and accommodated without recourse to working or taking public funds,” he explained.

“ In Points Based System categories (covering work and study categories) and Family Migration routes (covering applications to join family in the UK), there are specified financial requirements. These are set out in the immigration rules, which are published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immigration-rules

MPs in Westminster recently accused the British government of discriminating against visitors from Malawi who want to come to the UK.

They warn a new visa system has created a series of often insurmountable barriers to travel.

Malawi applicants are required to fill out a 15-page form, a separate online form, have that document counter-signed by their UK sponsor, send their passport for inspection and pay using a cashless system.

The MP and other critics are particularly critical of the final element, warning it is unrealistic in a country like Malawi.

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Sanya Ngumbi
Sanya Ngumbi
9 years ago

According to Michael Nevin, you must be filthy rich to enter the UK. My prayer is that Lord McConnell and others will continue advocating for a non-discriminatory visa regime. Otherwise, let the Malawi Government wake up and impose similar stringent measures against Nevin and his fellow Irish. This should include high visa fees. Imagine Malawians have to cough over MK200,000 (300 pounds) for a UK visa yet, Britons have only to pay 30 Dollars on arrival! Pali mnzeru pamenepa? Now they take our visa fees and bring it back as aid, which they later withhold.

James Brown
James Brown
9 years ago

These guys are liars! I just got denied a Visa to go Watch the Man United and Arsenal game and I live in Switzerland! As long as you come we come from Sub-Sahara Africa they always think we want to go live there. As of now I have even stopped supporting those teams, I don’t even want to go there even if it is in transit!

Mika Kumbire
Mika Kumbire
9 years ago

What the hell do you want to do in the UK if you have no money? How can’t your children give you more money or open UK bank accounts for you if they are British Citizens? How can British Citizens be poor? I thought we Malawians choose British citizenship because we are running away from poverty in Malawi; so why should we be poor again despite being British Citizens? Something is not adding up here. I go in and out of the UK without any problem and the Visa is out exactly when they tell me it will. I tell… Read more »

kazeze
9 years ago
Reply to  Mika Kumbire

Mika, you have totally missed the point, just shut up.

Chulu
Chulu
9 years ago
Reply to  Mika Kumbire

Akulu inu you seem not to know what you are talking about. You are just displaying your ignorance. If the Brits themselves are seeing that the system is unfair who are you to say that demean those who are complaining?

You should be one of those government globe trotting officials for Malawian tax payers fully fund your trips.

Mulhako
9 years ago

Africa is closer to the east than west-given a chance.

eish
eish
9 years ago

eish these white people really still do take us for a ride tjoh!!! Asatinyase ndi umphawi wathuwu…

patriotic citizen
patriotic citizen
9 years ago

amalawi! kudandawula ngati mulibe lanu dziko? home is best. its their country, they have a right to choose who goes there and who doesnt.period!

Blaster
Blaster
9 years ago

A no brainer. Wealth is a big factor. Even, they the way you dress, talk, how beautiful and handsome. They also check how well travelled you are in ur passport. If they see that u are one global frequent traveller and u have been to US, China, Japan, Canada and never bothered to stay there, its all okkkk.otherwise uli m’madzi. bad people.

Chemwali
Chemwali
9 years ago

This is the same Her Majesty’s government that took Malawian troops to fight in Somaliland, Burma and other parts of the world during the Great War! Our relationship is badly lopsided and only benefits Her Majesty’s citizens travelling to Malawi. All this because Malawi is a poor country! I would have thought the relationship, especially within the Commonwealth should have been such that it benefits all members, regardless of their economic standing. That is why most poor nations are shifting their focus to the Eastern block where although they have to get visas to visit, their conditions are not prohibitive… Read more »

Thitherward Wendo
Thitherward Wendo
9 years ago
Reply to  Chemwali

Post-Colonialism 101: The Commonwealth has been likened to a support-group for rape victims, organized by the rapists. Discuss.

Vyapasi
Vyapasi
9 years ago

Britain has always thought it is a “floating ship” that will sink if people entered the island especially those coming from poor countries. It has the same challenges when it comes to people from other EU countries to the point that it wants to pull out of the EU. This is a Kingdom that has very “racist attitudes” towards its past colonies especially against Africans. The British visa stipulates clear that one cannot have recourse to public funds. This applies even to people that have been granted a work permit. They will provide a National ID for purposes of paying… Read more »

loveness
loveness
9 years ago

IT IS TRUE YOU HAVE TO SHOW THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH MONEY WHEN YOU APPLY FOR VISA. I HAVE MOST OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN U.K. BUT BECAUSE I HAD LITTLE MONEY IN MY ACCOUNT MY VISA WAS REJECTED.

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