The refusal rate for UK visas has fallen in Bangladesh, according to the British High Commissioner in Dhaka.
Commissioner Robert Gibson announced earlier this week that the success rate of applicants has now risen to around 70 per cent. Better processing and improvements in the provision of information regarding visas have been credited with the reduction in failed applications.
Mr Gibson told bdnews24: "Still unfortunately a tiny section of people apply for visa with forged documents. They will always be refused visa if they try to abuse the system."
The comments were made during the inauguration of the relocated joint visa centre in Dhaka for the UK and Australia. The centre is said to offer "excellent customer service" and operates from the Delta Life Tower. Its opening is said to highlight the message being pushed by the UK government that the country remains "open for business" following speculation on the changes to the UK immigration system.
Mr Gibson commented: "This visa application centre is clear evidence that our investment in Bangladesh is to provide an efficient and cost effective service to UK visa applicants."
Some 30,000 UK visa applications are made through the Dhaka centre each year. These are divided across different categories; last year some 15,000 tourist visas were issued and some 8,000 student visas.