'UK govt wants to make immigration procedure fairer'

British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Mike O'Brien MP has said the new labour government wants to make the immigration and settlement procedure 'fairer, faster and firmer' in genuine cases, reports UNB.

The British minister, in charge of immigration and passport matters, said this briefing newsmen at the Zia International Airport lastnight before his departure ending a three-day visit to Bangladesh.

O'Brien expressed his concern over the submission of forged documents by some visa-seekers and said the genuine candidates have to suffer for this reason. "This greatly damages the prospect of genuine visitors."He said the British High Commission in Dhaka has to check documents more carefully now to prevent corruption. He, however, appreciated the high commission for providing 'very good services' to the people.

The British minister described his first visit to Bangladesh as 'very successful' saying that he was carrying to his country some good messages from here. He thanked the people of Bangladesh for the 'warm hospitality' shown to him.

He said he was carrying the messages of Bangladesh's great opportunity of investment. "The most important thing is the trade and business contact and the opportunity for successful business here."O'Brien said during his brief visit here, he had the opportunity to informally meet with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Home Minister, Agriculture Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

"But the most important is the opportunity to meet some people, including the community leaders," the British minister said who also visited Sylhet, from where the majority of over three lakh Bangladesh community in UK originate.

O'Brien also described his visit to Sylhet as 'very successful' and said he met local officials and political leaders and talked to them on various issues, including the settlement and immigration matters.

British High Commissioner David Walker was present during the briefing.