A guide to making a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
The International Group: Visa Services are committed, under the Freedom of Information Act to:

• promote informed policy making and debate;
• provide timely and accessible information to explain the department's
• policies, actions and decisions; and
• respond to requests for information.

Any request to the International Group: Visa Services for information will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.

Requests for information
The International Group: Visa Services proactively publishes a wide range of information. In addition, in late 2002, government departments established publication schemes under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Therefore, you may first wish to search the International Group: Visa Services Publication Scheme, departmental websites or check with the General Enquiries section to find out if the information you require has already been published or if there are plans to do so. Alternatively, if you know which part of the office might deal with the information you require, then contact them direct.

Target
The International Group: Visa Services target for meeting requests for information is twenty working days.

Requests for personal data
The Data Protection Act 1998 governs the processing of personal data (information relating to living individuals). This legislation makes it possible for you to request access to personal data that the International Group: Visa Services may hold about you. A request for disclosure of such information is called a subject access request.

Should you wish to know more about your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 you should consult the Office of the Information Commissioner's website.

Limits of disclosure
The International Group: Visa Services will disclose information wherever possible. However, in certain limited circumstances, it will be necessary to preserve confidentiality where it is not in the public interest to disclose. Where information is refused, the International Group: Visa Services will specify which exemption is being claimed and why. All requests for information will be carefully considered on their own merits and with close regard to the public interest.

The International Group: Visa Services FOI requests
UK Border Agency
Freedom of Information Team
5th Floor
Whitgift Centre Block C
15 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 3LY

Public enquiries
INDpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 0870 606 7766

FOI Enquiries
IND.foiteam@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Fax: 020 8760 3085

General Home Office Enquiries
Home Office
Direct Communications Unit
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Tel: 0207 035 4848
Fax:020 7035 4745
Telephone:020 7273 3476 (9:00am -5:00pm)
public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Public Records Over 30 Years Old
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Tel:020 8876 3444

Freedom of Information complaints
Anyone not satisfied with the response to their Freedom of Information request may seek an independent review by writing to:
International Group: Visa Services
UK Border Agency
Freedom of Information Team
5th Floor
Whitgift Centre Block C
15 Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 3LY
IND.foiteam@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Please state when and to whom the original request was made.