eGram summary information

The request was partially successful.

Dear UK Border Agency,

Scope of the FOI request: eGrams (which may alternatively be known as Telegrams) originating from UKBA and referenced by ECOs as part of their work outside the UK.

I would like to have the following information about each eGram:
(1) eGram Number
(2) Dispatch Date
(3) Summary (this may also be known as the “executive summary” or “description” or “brief description” or something similar)
(4) Title (this may also be known as Subject or something similar)

I am not requesting the "main text" of each eGram, although you can feel free to provide it should that make it easier to respond to this FOI request.

Should some part of the Summary or Title be legally excludable under the FOI act, e.g. the name of a real person, I would request only that relevant portion of the Summary or Title field be redacted and that the rest be provided as-is.

Yours faithfully,

Robert Simpson

Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson

 

Thank you for your email dated 13 July. We are currently dealing with your
enquiry and will respond shortly.

 

Kind regards

Freedom of Information Policy Team

UK Border Agency

 

 

 

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Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson

Thank you for your email below.

In order to provide you with the correct information, I would be
grateful if you clarify over what time period you require this
information

Thanks

UKBA

Freedom of Information Team

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Dear Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ),

My request is for eGrams that are referenced by ECOs as part of their daily work. This would likely not include expired eGrams, eGrams that have been replaced by later eGrams, or eGrams older than 1970 (although the old ones would be fun to see!).

If this set of eGrams is too large to provide in its entirety, I would like to request as many of those eGrams, working back in time from today, that can be generously provided within my £600 limit.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson,

Thank you for your email of 13 July and your further email of 18 July in which you have requested information about eGrams. This falls to be dealt with under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

You have asked for eGrams originating from the UK Border Agency and referenced by ECO as part of their work.
It may be helpful if I explain that the UK Border Agency Operational Instructions (OPIs) are only used for disseminating an instruction or piece of advice that has an impact on operations overseas. They can be sent for the attention of either all visa staff, all risk assessment staff or all staff.

They cannot be used to provide a general update on a programme or project and they cannot be used for circulating messages to specific regions or visa sections.

In contrast eGrams are used to provide general information which can include political information, potential visits of dignitaries and they originate and are held by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
In the past the UK Border Agency has used the eGrams facility to send operational eGrams to visa posts overseas but not specifically to Entry Clearance Managers (ECM) or Entry Clearance Officers (ECO).

Given the extent of your request, it may be advisable to contact the Foreign and Commonwealth's Freedom of Information Department for further information as the UK Border Agency holds OPIs dating back two to three years.

Yours sincerely

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas

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Dear VSD - FOI Enquiries,

In response to your recent contact, I would like to rescope and clarify my request. This version of the request completely succeeds older versions.

My request is for Operational Instructions (OPIs) which originate from UKBA, and which are distributed outside the UK. These may be distributed in the form of eGrams, or through some other mechanism.

I would like to have the following information about each OPI:
(1) FCO’s eGram identifying reference (where available)
(2) UKBA’s OPI identifying reference (e.g. an OPI number)
(3) Distribution list (including which overseas offices, and which staff within the office (e.g. all visa staff, all risk assessment staff or all staff))
(4) Dispatch Date
(5) Summary (this may also be known as the “executive summary” or “description” or “brief description” or something similar)
(6) Title (this may also be known as Subject or something similar)

I am not requesting the "main text" of each eGram, although you can
feel free to provide it should that make it easier to respond to
this FOI request.

Should some part of the Summary or Title be legally excludable
under the FOI act, e.g. the name of a real person, I would request
that only the excludable portion of the Summary or Title field be
redacted and that the rest be provided as-is.

If this set of eGrams is too large to provide in its entirety, I
would like to request as many of those eGrams, working back in time
from today, that can be generously provided within my £600 limit.

I have attempted to make this request as easy to read and respond to as possible. If you should have any outstanding questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

[Subject only] FW: Freedom of Information request - eGram summary information

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VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

Please find attached the UK Border Agency's response to you.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
Please find attached your scanned document.
To view this document you need to use the Adobe Acrobat Reader

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Dear UK Border Agency,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of UK Border Agency's handling of my FOI request 'eGram summary information'.

My request has been denied in full. UKBA have said that my request would or would likely “prejudice the operation of immigration controls”. While it may be possible that a small part of my request might in some cases do that, it is a little beyond belief that all parts of my request do so for all requested OPIs.

UKBA has previously released entire OPIs, apparently without “prejudicing the operation of immigration controls”. See FOI request 17943 made by Mr. Colin Yeo on 1 March 2011, which produced the OPI http://tinyurl.com/4x6gpbl (“Corrected version of eGram No: 2834/11”)

I requested only 6 specific items of information about each OPI. I have specified that UKBA does not need to provide the body (or “main text”) of the OPIs, though I am happy to have them. I also said that “Should some part of the Summary or Title be legally excludable under the FOI act, e.g. the name of a real person, I would request that only the excludable portion of the Summary or Title field be redacted and that the rest be provided as-is.”

Would releasing the title or summary of each OPI, by definition, “prejudice the operation of immigration controls”? Even when it is something banal like, for example, “Performance monitoring for UKBA employees working in British embassies”?

I understand the need to redact where there is a genuine “prejudice the operation of immigration controls”. I would not expect you to release me the names of UKBA employees, nor implementation details of sensitive operations they are conducting.

Possibly all the other OPIs are more sensitive. But then I wonder why did I not even get the information requested about eGram No: 2834/11?

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/eg...

Yours faithfully,

Robert Simpson

Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

Thank you for you email.
I am outoof the office until Monday 5/09/11. Please contact the Freedom of
Information Mailbox for any urgent queries
Regards
Isra   

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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FOI Requests, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr. Simpson,

 

Please find attached acknowledgement letter regarding your request for an
Internal Review.

 

Regards

 

Information Access Team

 

 

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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FOI Requests, UK Border Agency

2 Attachments

Dear Mr. Simpson,

 

Please find attached response regarding your request for an Internal
Review.

 

Regards

 

Information Access Team

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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Dear FOI Requests,

In the review, you have suggested that I should “refine [the] request in order to increase the chances of it falling within the cost limit”.

As such, I would like to rescope and clarify my request. This version of the request completely succeeds
older versions.

My request is for complete contents of Operational Instructions (OPIs) which originate from UKBA, and which are distributed outside the UK. These may be distributed in the form of eGrams, or through some other mechanism. This request is for all OPIs from 2008 to present.

If there is an index to or list of OPIs, I would also request a copy of that.

Should some part of any individual OPI be legally excludable under the FOI act, e.g. the name of a real person, I would request that only the excludable portion be redacted and that the rest be provided as-is. For each section which is redacted, could you please indicate why it was excluded. Please include all identifying information with each OPI.

I have attempted to make this request as easy to read and respond to as possible. If you should have any outstanding questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Out of an abundance of caution, I note that at least one OPI (eGram No. 2880/11) has already been released, and draw your attention point (7) of the internal review 19621 of 04 October 2011.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

Dear Simpson

Thank you for your clarified request - as below. We will respond shortly.

Kind Regards

UKBA
FOI Team

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VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson

 

Please see attached letter in response to your request.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Ms Aroloye 

Visa Customer Services 

International Group

UK Border Agency

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson

 

 

Now with the attachment.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Ms Aroloye 

Visa Customer Services 

International Group

UK Border Agency

From: VSD - FOI Enquiries
Sent: 22 November 2011 12:43
To: '[FOI #79858 email]'
Cc: VSD - FOI Enquiries; Freedom Of Information Team ( IND )
Subject: FOI 20435

 

Dear Mr Simpson

 

Please see attached letter in response to your request.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Ms Aroloye 

Visa Customer Services 

International Group

UK Border Agency

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

Please find attached the UK Border Agency's response to you.

Yours sincerely

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
To view this document you need to use the Adobe Acrobat Reader

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Dear VSD - FOI Enquiries,

It has been nearly two months since you received the updated request. This is now UKBA's second request for an extension.

Is there a particular reason that it is taking so long to process this request?

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson,

We are stabling whether or not we can release the information you have requested and to what extent.

Yours sincerely

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
To view this document you need to use the Adobe Acrobat Reader

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Dear VSD - FOI Enquiries,

I am still waiting for a reply to my eGram FOI request.

Can I please ask the status and progress of your work?

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson

Thank you for your email.

I apologies for the delay in responding and in dealing with your FOI request.
We are currently working on your request and will endeavour to respond by the end of the week.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas
To view this document you need to use the Adobe Acrobat Reader

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VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

Please find attached the UK Border Agency's response to your request for information.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Asomaning
UK Border Agency
Web: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas

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Dear UK Border Agency,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of UK Border Agency's handling of my FOI request 'eGram summary information', made on 25 October 2011.

As was kindly pointed out, “the Act carries a presumption in favour of disclosure”.

You have stated that all information has been withheld on the basis of Section 31 (1) e. The following reasons were given:
(a) In paragraph 4, you say that OPIs that detail your “risk assessment methodology” are exempt
(b) In paragraph 5, you say that some of the OPIs would provide insight into border protection strategies. I assume this refers to secret “border protection strategies”, and not those already known to the public
(c) It is unclear what Paragraph 6 refers to, and on what basis it justifies withholding information. It mentions a “catalogue (or list) of instructions” which UKBA considers to be a “restricted document”.
(d) In paragraph 7, you suggest that some OPIs contain “Intelligence gathered by UKBA”, and that revealing them may jeopardize assessment of “institutions applying to and acting as sponsoring bodies”.

Was each OPI reviewed individually on 17 January 2012? Who participated in that review and how long did it take?

Were there no cases of text or information that could be released to me without jeopardizing the reasons outlined in (a) (b) and (d) above? There are no OPIs about, for example, internal UKBA controls on conflicts of interest, or administrative matters such as staffing levels, overtime, or “performance targets”? No announcements to staff? No clarifications on guidance to ECOs? No notices of changes to law or case law? There is nothing banal in any part of any of the OPIs? Each and every one is written in a way that every part of it contains intelligence, insight into non-public border protection strategies, and details risk assessment methodologies? And in no case does a public interest test weigh in the favour of releasing any portion of the material?

Finally, can I please have a list of the individual OPIs and the reasons specific to each OPI for withholding its release.

I note that it took three months for my request to be processed, which exceeds the statutory limit. I kindly request that the review be handled professionally, comprehensively, and in a timely fashion.

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/eg...

Yours faithfully,

Robert Simpson

Dear VSD - FOI Enquiries,

On March 29 I requested an internal review of the refusal of my FOI request.

When can I expect the response?

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

Dear VSD - FOI Enquiries,

What is the status of the Internal Review?

Please reply promptly as required by law.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

Mulvaney (IMS), UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

 

Please find attached our response to your request for an internal review.

 

As you will see in the attached report we are releasing some documents to
you. Unfortunately the documents are too large to send electronically,
please could you provide us with a postal address? If you send your postal
address from a private email address please quote the reference number
19343 and address your email to K Mulvaney.

 

Yours sincerely

Information Access Team

 

 

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
recorded for legal purposes.

Dear Mulvaney (IMS),

Thank you for your reply. I am looking forward to seeing the actual result!

I would like to request that you scan the files and transfer them to me as a PDF file.

I assume it does not contain photos, so you could scan it as black and white at 400 dpi, and end up with surprisingly small files. Most modern copiers can do this very easily.

If the files are still too large to email, can I request you use the free service https://www.wetransfer.com/ to get them to me. I have used it before and obviously the files are not particularly private or sensitive.

Alternatively I can provide you with an FTP site to use.

You might also want to post it on your own HO FOI web site for others to access!

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

p.s. a London based solicitor has also asked to see them, so scanning them will likely mean you do not have to print them off again and mail a second time!

FOI Responses, UK Border Agency

Dear Mr Simpson,

The documents we are able to release are too large to transfer electronically. If you would like them in electronic format we can provide them to you on a CD through the post.

Please provide us with a contact address so we can provide you with the requested information.

Yours sincerely

Information Access Team

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Robert Simpson left an annotation ()

They are apparently not willing to provide this in electronic form, but will mail it to people who request it.

It is about 500 pages double sided. You need to ask for the results of "FOI request UKBA ref. 20435"

Dear K Mulvaney,

Thank you for providing a partial response to my FOI request.

Could you please tell me which OPIs have been withheld in their entirety from the response.

For each OPI withheld, I would like to know the OPI number, the title of the OPI, the date of issue of the OPI, and the reason the OPI was not released as part of the FOI request.

Thank you,

Robert

FOI Responses, UK Border Agency

This mailbox is unable to accept incoming messages and your email has been
automatically redirected to [1][email address] for a
response. Please use this email address for any further queries.

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]

FOI Responses, UK Border Agency

This mailbox does not accept incoming messages. Any FOI requests or
inquiries should be sent to [1][email address].

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
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References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]

Ganesh Sittampalam left an annotation ()

The documents Robert was sent have been scanned and OCRed and are available here: http://files.whatdotheyknow.com/request/...

Ganesh - WhatDoTheyKnow volunteer

Dear FOI Responses,

Thank you for the response (20 May 2012) to my FOI request (Your Ref: 20435).

Could you please tell me which OPIs have been withheld in their entirety from the response.

For each OPI withheld, I would like to know the OPI number, the title of the OPI, the date of issue of the OPI, and the reason the specific OPI was not released as part of the FOI request.

Thank you,

Robert

Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ), UK Border Agency

Dear Robert Simpson

Re: eGram summary information (79858)

Thank you for your recent e mail concerning the above matter. We are currently dealing with your enquiry and will respond shortly.

Kind Regards

UKBA
FOI Team

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Dear Freedom Of Information Team ( IND ),

Your 23 July 2012 email said "We are currently dealing with your enquiry and will respond shortly."

Is there a date when I can expect my response?

Yours sincerely,

Robert Simpson

VSD - FOI Enquiries, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

Please find attached the UK Border Agency's response to you.

Yours sincerely,

Marian Asomaning
UK Border Agency
URL: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

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Dear UK Border Agency,

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.

I am writing to request an internal review of UK Border Agency's handling of my FOI request 'eGram summary information'.

On 22 July 2012, I requested information about OPIs that had been withheld in in their entirety from a previous request. I specifically asked for "the OPI number, the title of the OPI, the date of issue of the OPI, and the reason the specific OPI was not released as part of the FOI request."

I was surprised to read the response of 24 August (HO Ref: VCS/159877 and HO ref: 23557).

My request did not ask for the contents of these OPIs. It was carefully limited to the OPI reference number, the date of issue of the OPI, the title of the OPI and the reason that the specific OPI was not released.

Were the OPIs actually reviewed with a view towards providing the information I had asked for, as required by law?

I do not believe this refusal was correct. In fact I believe that actual continent of some of the OPIs have previously been released, so are not each as sensitive as indicated. Again note that I am only requesting the title, date of issue, OPI number, and reason for the refusal.

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address:
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/eg...

Yours faithfully,

Robert Simpson

FOI Requests, UK Border Agency

To Robert Simpson

Thank you for your email below, in which you ask for an internal review of your Freedom of Information request

We will aim to send you a full response by 25/09/2012 which is twenty working days from the date we received your request.

The internal review will be carried out by K Mulvaney (ref 23557). If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you

FOI Requests
Home Office

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FOI Responses, UK Border Agency

1 Attachment

Dear Mr Simpson,

 

Please find attached our response to your request for information.

 

Yours sincerely

Information Access Team

 

 

 

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Communications via the GSi may be automatically logged, monitored and/or
recorded for legal purposes.

Robert Simpson left an annotation ()

I have asked that the IPO get involved in this request.

Robert Simpson left an annotation ()

ICO has been involved in reviewing this request. Hopefully a reply from HO will be received soon.

Robert Simpson,

2 Attachments

The following additional OPIs were released by Home Office in response to
a request for assistance to the ICO ([1]http://www.ico.org.uk/)
UKBA's original excuse for withholding them was that the content was a
threat to the integrity of immigration controls.   That was clearly not
correct, as you can see by reading them.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ico.org.uk/

Robert Simpson,

2 Attachments

Again, there is no reasonable excuse for having withheld these in the
first place.

Robert Simpson left an annotation ()

ICO is still involved with this request