Muzaffarabad Pakistan Administered Kashmir: The systematic exploitation of overseas Kashmiris seeking UK visas has raised serious concerns, as applicants face excessive fees, technical issues, and unfair visa rejections. In response, prominent Kashmiri business leader and former President of the Chamber of Commerce, Faisal Manzoor, has written a formal letter to British Ambassador to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, urging immediate intervention to address these injustices.
This development comes after several Mirpur-based councilors met Faisal Manzoor, highlighting how Gerry’s, the private visa service provider, has been charging over £150 per application under the pretext of security and service charges. The issue is particularly significant as a large number of overseas Kashmiris, many of whom are British citizens, rely on this process to visit their homeland.
Overseas Kashmiris Face Financial Exploitation in Visa Process
Kashmiris living abroad have long contributed to the economy of both Kashmir and the UK, yet they now find themselves subjected to unjust financial burdens when applying for UK visas. In addition to the £150 service fee, applicants are required to pay an additional 14% in taxes and bank charges when booking an online appointment at Gerry’s. However, due to frequent failures in Gerry’s online system, many applicants are unable to secure appointments after making payments.
Adding to the frustration, when applicants request refunds, they are denied reimbursement of the 14% tax and bank charges, resulting in collective financial losses amounting to millions.
Unjustified Visa Rejections: Systematic Disempowerment of Kashmiris?
The situation is further worsened by the increasing number of visa rejections faced by applicants from Kashmir and Pakistan-administered regions, raising concerns about systemic discrimination. Faisal Manzoor, in his letter, pointed out that UK visa officers at the British Embassy in Islamabad have been arbitrarily rejecting applications without transparent justifications. Furthermore, applicants are denied the right to appeal UK visit visa refusals, forcing many to reapply and lose additional money in visa fees.
This trend has led many Kashmiris to question whether these policies are part of a larger pattern of institutional bias, discouraging freedom of movement for members of the Kashmiri diaspora who wish to visit their families in Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Demand for UK Government’s Intervention
The Kashmiri diaspora plays a crucial role in international trade, business, and cultural exchange, yet they continue to face barriers in mobility due to unjust policies. Faisal Manzoor has urged British authorities to take immediate steps to:
- Regulate visa service providers like Gerry’s to ensure fair and transparent pricing.
- Investigate arbitrary visa rejections and provide applicants with proper justifications and the right to appeal.
- Address the technical failures in Gerry’s online system to prevent applicants from unnecessary financial losses.