As Leader of the Chagos
Refugees Group, I thought it absolutely necessary to bring into light key
issues regarding passports and visa applications for Chagossians.
Following the ruling of
the UK High Court on the 3rd of November 2000, many Chagossians have
been authorised to have British passports since 2002. Therefore presently, many
have to renew their passports while others will have to apply for one as they
do not have a British passport. Essentially the main predicament lies in the
fact that payments must be effected through a credit card. In light of the fact
that many Chagossians suffer from dire financial difficulties, they are not
eligible to apply for credit cards. Consequently, the requirement for due
credit card authorisation cannot be fulfilled and therefore acts as a major
hindrance. Additionally, we deprecate the fact that although there currently is
a British High Commission in Mauritius, we are required to send our
applications via DHL to the British Embassy in Pretoria, in South Africa.
Again, this is costly and thus we believe it will be easier if we could have
made the necessary application in Mauritius at the British High
Commission. The setting up of a special
desk for the Chagossians at the British High Commission both in Mauritius and
the Seychelles in order to assist them would be most welcomed.
Also, the settlement of
visa, involves a long excruciating procedure and can be only be filled in
online. As you are most probably aware, Chagossians suffer from dire financial
difficulties and they do not have internet access. We therefore find it both
inconceivable and irrational that Chagossians are expected to fill in the form
online. Consequently, we believe it necessary that a solution is provided to
the above issue. Many of the spouses of current British Passport holders are
not adequately educated and therefore find it difficult to pass the required
test (English Language Test Settlement Visa/General) to obtain the visa
settlement. This, you would appreciate could have a tremendous impact on the
family if the application is rejected.
Lastly, presently the
Chagossians residing in the UK are losing many benefits that were previously
available to them. We do not understand why suddenly, there is a lot of
animosity against the Chagossians. It would be helpful if the necessary support
could be provided to those Chagossians in the UK so that they do not have to
face many obstacles on a daily basis on various matters.
In light of the above,
we request that you attend to the issues urgently and provide immediate
solutions.
Kind Regards
Olivier Bancoult O.S.K
Chairman of the CRG
CC Henry Bellingham,
Nicolas Leaks, Jeremy Corbyn, Henry Smith, David Snoxell
