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| September 27, 2012 | UK seeks to keep immigration blacklist of Indians, Pakistanis secret | | London: UK’s Foreign Office has appealed against a ruling that it must publish a secret blacklist of 44 countries whose nationals face tougher immigration measures when applying to come to Britain, which include Indians and Pakistanis. It claims that by ‘naming and shaming’ the countries,
diplomatic relations could sour and British travelers could be penalized by having
their own visas restricted. Most countries on the list are thought to be in the
Indian subcontinent and the Middle East . The Foreign Office argued against publicizing
those nations deemed to be ‘high risk’ at an appeal hearing launched by the Home
Office. According to the Telegraph, it has been challenged to reveal the so-called
‘rogues gallery’ by immigration detention activist, John O, who claims that by
keeping the list secret, those whose applications are challenged have no way of
knowing whether such decisions were lawful. The list was established last February
in response to warnings that certain entry clearance officers were not complying
with equality legislation, the report said. The UK Border Agency discovered that
those based in Abu Dhabi and Islamabad were discriminating against Pakistani visa
applicants by demanding far more documentation from them than those from the Gulf
states , the report added. Most countries on the list are thought to be in the
Indian subcontinent and the Middle East . Susan Simon, the FCO's director of migration,
reportedly said: “Although many countries will be aware of the security concerns
posed by their nationals, some would be highly offended if the UK raised these
concerns publicly”. “Many countries use visa and immigration policy as a foreign
policy tool, reflecting their attitudes towards certain countries and the value
of certain relationships. They expect us to do the same," Simon added. The FCO
also argued that it could also risk overseas contracts for British companies and
would "create or increase the perception that the UK is not open to visitors or
business from those countries," the report added.
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