FLR(M) applications and non information for applicants waiting more than fourteen weeks

Dear Sir or Madam,

Why can people not get useful information or feedback from UK BA on
applications for FLR(m)visa applications after they have taken more
than 14 weeks. Phone operatives tell us that they cannot speak to
the case workers or pass on information about if there is a
problem, where the application form is in the obvious backlog or
how long the process may take.

Why do operatives state repeatedly that 'you just have to wait',
when a service which has been paid for over three months ago and
can be completed in person in a couple of hours, is taking so long
without any opportunity to gain further information.

Why are the other sources dealing with such issues, such as the
complaints department and those dealing with requests for passport
returns as travel is necessary and imminent, fail to respond to
enquiries by fax.

Other than writing to the 'Managed Migration' team in Croydon, who
have also previously failed to respond to or even acknowledge
enquiries are there no mechanisms for gathering information. Why is
the process so closed, with clearly no detailed tracking process or
reasonable level of customer care.

Is there useful information you can give on these issues and advice
for those people waiting for more than 14 weeks without any
rational or reasonable explanation or information, a to how they
might get the information they need to help them lead a normal life
whilst they are just told to 'wait' and that they have no right to
request information. And do they UK BA have a responsibility to
provide a reasonable level of service that individuals can refer to
when they feel aggrieved, which will actually be responded to, when
inaction has such significant implications for the ability of
people to lead a normal life.

Yours faithfully,
Dr. Tim Rudd
07729 806 506

Dear Sir or Madam,

Unsurprisingly given the shrouded, closed and unresponsive nature
of your service to date, it is no surprise that you have also
failed to respond to my request under FoI. I fully intend to make
sure the public are aware of how pooor this service is and I
beleive it could and should be improved so it does not continue to
impact negatively on people's lives.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Rudd

Dear Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ),

Thank you for the response. Ironically it hits right at the heart
of the problem. The address supplied is one of the various sources
or contacts provided previously from which I received no responses.

In terms of asking for specific or held information, I wonder if
you could relay exactly how many postal aplications for FLR(m) visa
applications are processed within 4 weeks and 14 weeks over the
last six months. Is it as your website suggests, 70% and 90%
respectively. What are the reasons for delay beyond 14 weeks, given
that the form can be processed in person within the day if the
higher fee is paid.
Finally, are there plans to deelopa specific tracking system which
sugest how long an application may take?

Yours sincerely,

Tim Rudd