Sources of help and information

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Complaints to UKBA

UKBA have a procedure for complaining which can lead to positive results. If you have received wrong information from the Immigration Enquiry Bureau (IEB) or believe you have been wrongly refused a visa you should send an email to the following address giving all details UKBACustomerComplaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. More information can be found on the UKBA website, click on ‘About us’ on the home page, then ‘Contact’ then ‘Making a complaint’. You then need to select the option ‘I am unhappy about the standard of service received from UKBA’. UKBA are obliged to respond within 20 working days. A soldier who complained following wrong advice given by IEB had his wife’s visa refusal overturned.

Sources of Qualified Immigration Advice

It is always advisable to find a specialist ‘immigration’ representative if you need to engage a lawyer. Whilst all solicitors are legally allowed to represent you, they will not have the experience in immigration issues if they are not specialists. If in the UK, you should also always ensure you use a solicitor who is OISC registered (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner). You can use the following websites to find registered immigration advisors:

OISC: www.oisc.gov.uk/people_seeking_immigration_advice
Community Legal Advice: http://legaladviserfinder.justice.gov.uk/AdviserSearch.do
Citizens Advice Bureau: www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/immigration/help_with_immigration_problems

Fijian Support Network

The FSN was formed in February 2009. It was borne out of a perceived need in the Fijian Community that an opportunity exists to highlight to policy makers at HQ of a gap between policy and its effect on the community.

Its mission is to ‘act as a conduit on policy, information delivery, and dialogue between the MOD and Fijians serving in the UK Armed Forces’.

It has five objectives:

To create awareness within the community
To establish a Point of Contact network with the Chain of Command
To capture and elevate FSN issues
To promote understanding of FSN activities
To deliver understanding of MOD policies.

The FSN has already conducted a series of briefings across the UK to promote awareness and to gather issues. Work is now underway on a website to ensure constant communication and accessibility. The website is available through ArmyNet - click on 'Welfare'.

The AFF and FSN have a close working relationship, with issues and advice being shared wherever possible. We will continue to work together to increase awareness of F&C issues both to the F&C community and to the chain of command.

Further sources of information

The British Army: The British Army website contains a great deal of information for soldiers and their families. For information for Foreign and Commonwealth families click here.

Support Guide for F&C familes: The Army has also produced a comprehensive support guide, useful for both families and units. Click here to download it.

Immigration Enquiry Bureau: 0870 606 7766 (Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 0900 – 1645, Friday 0900 – 1630). It can take anywhere from 5-30mins to get through to someone so you have to be patient. You should also be aware that many F&C families have received the wrong or conflicting information from the IEB so it is advised that you check the information that you have received with the information on this website. If you are confused about the answer you have been given, please contact me.

Nationality Directorate: To speak to someone about becoming a British Citizen. Again you may have to wait for a while to get through. To save time, ensure you have read all the information on British Citizenship on the UKBA website. Call 0845 010 5200 (Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 0900 to 2100)

Directgov: For information and advice on benefits, tax credits, working in the UK, employment support, passport applications and much more visit www.direct.gov.uk

National Insurance Number information: Click here

Royal Commonwealth Ex-services League: This is a charity set up to help ex-service men and women who served the Crown and are now in need. Visit www.commonwealthveterans.org.uk